By KRWG News
New Mexico – Former State Police Chief Faron Segotta says Gov. Susana Martinez's directive for immigration checks of criminal suspects shouldn't mean much change for the state's law enforcement agency.
Segotta, who retired last year, told The Associated Press on Friday that it was state police policy during Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson's administration to ask about the immigration status of those arrested for crimes and in some instances of people being investigated for possible crimes, such as drug trafficking.
Martinez directed state agency law enforcement this week to ask about the immigration status of those arrested for crimes. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the governor's executive order, saying it could lead to racial profiling.
An immigrant rights group plans a rally at the Capitol next week to protest the governor's directive.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.