Because it Works, We Should Change it

                The weekend checkpoints set up along random intersection in Los Angeles, here were always meant to catch those who had had too much to drink. In an operation intended to be equal parts deterrent and enforcement, the police would stop every car, testing drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, recently the large percentage of Hispanic citizens in Los Angeles has been complaining about the unfair treatment of illegal immigrants along these checkpoints. They claim that if and the security thinks someone is an illegal immigrant they can ask for their driver’s license and because illegal immigrants can’t own a driver’s license, they are caught, detained, and then deported. The Hispanic population claims that this is unfair, because, it works. These checkpoints are very effective ways to apprehend illegal immigrants and many people at the top of the police department, including the Police Chief Charlie Beck, have decided to sympathize with illegal immigrants. The Police Department has been trying to lighten their image by appealing to the Hispanic population of Los Angeles.

                “It is good to show some sense of understanding of their plight,” Chief Beck said when the city’s Police Commission approved the change in March. While it is important to recognize their hardships, it is even more important to recognize the hardships they are unfortunately inflicting on the American taxpayer. “We need to find a way to be compassionate, yes, but also keep the roads safe,” said Tyler Izen, president of the union, the Los Angeles Police Protective League. “I’m not sure the right way for us to deal with this is at the local level.” It is a tough decision; however when you step back and look at the situation, the Los Angeles Police Department has to decide which to protect, the illegal immigrants, or the citizens of Los Angeles County.

                Under the new policy, drivers who are pulled over for minor traffic violations, including speeding, are asked to show valid identification and proof of insurance. If unlicensed drivers do not have a previous citation, they will not face a 30-day impound, where fees can often reach into the thousands of dollars (often more than a car is worth). If a licensed driver is able to come to the scene immediately, that driver usually will be allowed to take the car. If not, the car will be towed but can be picked up as soon as the owner comes to retrieve it with a licensed driver. Hopefully this new change can find a middle ground in this argument, however when it comes to identifying illegal immigrants, often times discrimination is going to occur unfortunately.