We don't need no stinking badgers

So, local anti-union sheriff Chuck Jenkins is saying that he's got a deal with ICE to make the county money by having local police bust illegal immigrants. Well, at least he's still on his platform, which was:

 "The most urgent problem is the increase in violent assaults and other street crimes, and the growing criminal enterprise in our county. This is a direct result of the increase in street gang activity, much of which is fueled by the nationwide illegal immigration problem. This also perpetuates the overall increase in juvenile crime and illegal drug activity in Frederick County. The fact that Frederick County is home to a number of potential terrorist targets presents the immediate need to have completed and in place a strategic countywide plan for homeland security."

But, ask Prince Williams county, in Virginia. According to their county PD, having police officers check the immigration status of people detained for shoplifting, traffic violations or other misdemeanors is projected to cost about $14.2 million over five years. Or, ask the Arlington County board, who have rejected such policing practices, and claim a lowering crime rate.

Ultimately, whether illegal immigration bothers you, or not, it's up to the Federal government, not local government to police the border. Certainly, arrest law breakers, but don't make the local cops do the Fed's job for them. Even if I believed Jenkins (and I don't) I think a better way to target street crime is to make it easier for cops to live in frederick County, where, right now, they're largely priced out. Cops who live in the neighborhood, tend to keep the neighborhood up, you know? So, why not have a cop's union, first.