DACA News: Nebraska Representative Mike Flood is raising concerns about a bill currently under consideration in the Nebraska Legislature.
The bill, known as LB894 and proposed by State Senator Teresa Ibach, is facing criticism from Flood due to what he perceives as flaws that could jeopardize the justice system.
DACA: Amendment to LB894 Sparks Controversy
Flood’s reservations center around an amendment introduced by Senator Justin Wayne.
The proposed amendment aims to allow individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to become law enforcement officers, altering the original requirement for sheriff candidates to be certified law enforcement officers at the time of filing for office.
Potential Implications for the Justice System
Flood argues that the amendment could pose challenges in the courtroom. He expresses concerns about the credibility of law enforcement officers who are not U.S. citizens and entered the country illegally, questioning how juries might perceive their testimony.
According to Flood, this could shift the focus from the defendant to the officer’s immigration status.
ACLU and Legal Perspective
Contrary to Flood’s concerns, a member of the ACLU of Nebraska, Dylan Severino, contends that the bill does not alter the existing qualifications for law enforcement officers.
Severino dismisses the idea that a witness’s citizenship status would significantly impact their credibility during jury selection or courtroom testimony.
Complications in Jury Selection and Potential Benefits
Flood further worries that the proposal might complicate jury selection, particularly in high-profile cases, due to the sensitive nature of immigration issues.
Severino disagrees, emphasizing that citizenship status is not a significant factor in jury selection, especially when it doesn’t directly pertain to the case.
Severino argues that Nebraska’s law enforcement agencies are facing recruitment challenges and a lack of diversity. He believes that the DACA proposal could address both issues by expanding the pool of potential recruits.
Legislative Process Ahead
Before the bill can become law, it must undergo multiple rounds of debate, and senators will need to vote in favor of it. Only then will it move to the governor’s desk for approval.
The outcome of these debates will determine whether the proposed changes to sheriff candidacy requirements and law enforcement officer eligibility will be enacted.