The Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Alabama soon will more than double the number of state troopers that have the authority to arrest illegal immigrants.
Gov. Bob Riley said 25 state troopers will undergo federal immigration law enforcement training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston.
After completing the five-week training course in mid-November, they will join 21 others who went through the special training in 2003.
Alabama, Florida and Arkansas are the only states that have the authority to use troopers as federal immigration enforcement officers.
“Border security and enforcement are a federal responsibility,” Riley said. “However, Alabama is stepping in to do what it can to arrest those who have no legal right to be here.”
The troopers who qualified in 2003 are able to question, detain and arrest illegal immigrants they find during their normal duties.