Drunks and Illegal Immigrants

Oakland's police department has quit checking for drunk drivers because they were catching too many illegal immigrants.

OAKLAND -- Oakland police officers have stopped setting up roadblocks to check whether drivers are under the influence because of a rash of complaints from the Latino community and City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente.

The checkpoints, which allow officers to demand licenses and proof of insurance, are an effective way to get drunken drivers off Oakland's streets, city leaders agree. But the checks also have ensnared dozens of illegal immigrants who are not licensed to drive yet otherwise obey the law.

"These checkpoints make people's lives miserable, not make them safer," said Jesus Rodriguez of Oakland Community Organizations, which filed most of the complaints about the checkpoints. "I've watched while the police have towed away cars (full) of groceries, leaving children crying on the sidewalk."

It's mind-boggling that illegal immigrants apparently have their own city councilman -- the President, even! -- and that anyone cares when they're caught for, you know, breaking the law. If we as a society want to have open borders, then let's vote on it! But as long as the law says otherwise, it needs to be enforced.

Fortunately for Oakland, Councilman Larry Reid isn't insane.

Reid said he has little sympathy with Rodriguez's position.

"I don't care if they are illegal immigrants," Reid said.

"They should not be driving on our streets without a license, without insurance. I expect the Oakland Police Department to do its job and get them off the street."