Sen. Jim Bryson (R-Franklin) Friday called on Gov. Bredesen to drop his opposition to a policy that would allow state law enforcement to hand over to federal authorities illegal immigrants charged with criminal acts. The move comes after a Mt. Juliet couple was killed in an auto accident by an illegal immigrant who has been arrested 14 times previously.
“This is a tragedy for the family and it could have been prevented,” said Sen. Bryson. “It is common sense that state law should require illegal immigrants who commit crimes be immediately turned over to federal authorities. In addition, it is incumbent upon federal officials to respond when they are contacted by state law enforcement.”
Two months ago the state Senate passed legislation that would have allowed state law enforcement to turn over to federal authorities illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Gov. Bredesen vigorously opposed Senate Bill 2426 and spoke out several times against it.
“I hope the Governor will now rethink his position on this issue,” said Sen. Bryson. “I supported the legislation – which received not a single no vote in the state senate - so we could prevent tragedies like this. It is a Governor’s job to lead, not oppose common sense solutions supported by the elected representatives of the people.”
Gustavo Reyes Garcia, 28, is charged with vehicular homicide in the deaths of a Mt. Juliet couple nine days ago. He was fleeing from police at the time. It is his 15th arrest on a variety of charges.