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Nutter tells why he opposes Immigration access to arrest records

Mayor Nutter detailed his objection Thursday to continuing to allow federal immigration authorities access to city arrest records, saying the computerized record system automatically releases information about victims and witnesses of crimes as well as those arrested on criminal offenses.

Mayor Nutter detailed his objection Thursday to continuing to allow federal immigration authorities access to city arrest records, saying the computerized record system automatically releases information about victims and witnesses of crimes as well as those arrested on criminal offenses.

He said technological changes needed to be made to the city's Preliminary Arraignment Reporting System (PARS) to safeguard victims and witnesses who are immigrants whose identification might result in deportation. The mayor also said federal authorities told him the only information they use from the computerized system pertains to criminals.

"We want undocumented victims and witnesses to report crimes to our Police Department and not hide in fear," he said in explaining his opposition to extending an existing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The administration, which initially stated that the agreement was to expire Thursday, said a mistake was made and that it does not end until Aug. 31.

That gives the mayor more time to discuss his objections with District Attorney Seth Williams and Municipal Court President Judge Marsha Neifield. Both are party to the agreement, along with Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, who works for the mayor.

Williams has not taken a public position on renewing the agreement. Although he joined Nutter for an unrelated City Hall news conference Thursday, he exited the room moments before the mayor explained his position on the PARS contract.

Everett Gillison, the deputy mayor for public safety, did not specify what was involved in changing the computerized system, but said it would not take a significant period of time. Gillison said he would move forward with plans to study the PARS system throughout the summer to determine how to make upgrades.

Nutter emphasized that the city wants to strike a new information-sharing agreement with federal authorities, but not at the expense of the release of data about victims and witnesses who may be undocumented.

"For some of these individuals, the only law they broke is coming into the United States because they want to get a job," he said.

A coalition of pro-immigrant groups, including JUNTOS and the New Sanctuary Movement, planned to hold a rally Friday at City Hall and march to the nearby offices of the district attorney to ask Williams to join Nutter in opposing the contract's renewal.