Riley wants more trooper training

By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley is asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide more Alabama state troopers with required training that allows them to enforce federal immigration law. Under an agreement Riley signed with the federal government in 2003, state troopers who complete a five-week training program are allowed to arrest and detain illegal aliens and turn them over to federal officials for deportation.
So far, 60 Alabama state troopers have gone through federal immigration training.
The training takes place at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston. The course mirrors the training federal immigration and customs agents receive. It focuses exclusively on immigration and nationality law and issues related to enforcement.
he cost of the training is paid for by the federal government. The state pays the salaries and travel costs incurred by state troopers who participate in the training program.