Texas Senate Pushes Immigration Checks by Cops

Houston Chronicle: The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to run anyone arrested through a federal immigration enforcement program. The Secure Communities program identifies immigrants who could be deported because of their immigration status and is just one of several provisions in the bill approved by the Senate Thursday. The program is already used county jails. The bill by Republican Sen. Tommy Williams would also require proof of U.S. citizenship to obtain or renew a driver's license if the information hasn't been previously provided. Williams said that's because a license no longer just gives permission to drive, but serves as a secure form of ID. The bill contains an additional $8 fee for a driver's license that will go toward improving outdated technology and inadequate staffing.