Last month I wrote about the DPS' new policy of not renewing or issuing new Texas drivers' licenses to anyone who can't prove they are in the United States legally.
Now, according to the Houston Chronicle, comes word that the DPS has asked Greg Abbott, the Texas Attorney General, for permission to set up drivers' license checkpoints across the state. According to the request, the checkpoints would be set up to check for valid drivers' licenses, registration and insurance.
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio and 14 other legislators have sent Mr. Abbott a letter asking him to ignore the DPS' request for a legal opinion.
The last time I checked, being in the United States without permission was a federal issue, not a state issue. There is no provision in the Texas penal code making it a crime to be in this county illegally. There is also no need for state or local police agencies to enforce federal law.
The DPS has enough to worry about with rogue technical supervisors faking maintenance records on the intoxilyzers used to carry out the state's breath alcohol testing program without worrying about whether a driver is here legally or not not.
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