Focus on immigration reform narrows

MIAMI (AP) - Law enforcement officials said federal authorities should be responsible for immigration issues, not them -- but they do want to give their input in reforming the immigration system.

Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo joined two other police chiefs on Wednesday to outline points that they feel are crucial to immigration reform, including increased federal presence at the borders and stricter federal enforcement of hiring laws.

They also said they were dissatisfied with the use of law enforcement as an informal arm of the immigration authority.

John Timoney, of Miami; Art Acevedo , of Austin, Texas ; and former chief Art Venegas, of Sacramento, Calif., spoke during a panel discussion.

Acevedo serves as the eighth police chief in APD's 84-year history and is the first Hispanic to lead the city’s police force. With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, he oversees a department that employs approximately 2,100 sworn officers and civilian personnel.