An Indiana Senate Committee is advancing a bill that would crack down on illegal immigration. The proposal is modeled after Arizona's law, which is being challenged in federal court as unconstitutional. Republican Senator Mike Delph says the goal of his bill is to put teeth into existing law.
"To say the citizens of Indiana welcome legal immigration, but adamantly reject illegal immigration. Today we say no more to illegal immigration and we really mean it. We want the rule of law restored, period," said Delph.
But Democrat Senator Karen Tallian who voted against the measure says she cannot support it in part because it gives police officers the ability to make an arrest on probable cause of illegal status.
"I think that's just way out there. It requires serious training for officers, prosecutors and judges. This is a zillion lawsuits waiting to happen," said Tallian.
The bill now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee because of its fiscal impact.