Charles Norwood: “the Norwood amendment would definitely clarify the existing authority, existing authority of State and local law…”

“the Norwood amendment would definitely clarify the existing authority, existing authority of State and local law enforcement personnel in assisting in the apprehension, detention, and transport of illegal aliens in the routine course of their daily duties. This last phrase, ``in the routine course of duty,'' is critical because the language ensures that law enforcement has certainty when they come in contact with illegal aliens that are breaking our laws. My amendment also would require DHS to establish a training manual and pocket guide for law enforcement and set forth simple guidelines for making training available. Madam Chairman, I need to make this perfectly clear. This authority for State and local law enforcement already exists, though there is some confusion. But law enforcement officers and agencies need some assurance from us that they can take appropriate action with authority when the laws are broken. Any confusion about what to do when law enforcement meets with lawbreakers needs to end. Some will argue law enforcement does not have adequate resources. That is clearly just not the case.…”