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GUEST: Luis Rodriguez, poet and author of Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., and Hearts and Hands: Creating Community in Violent Times Susan Cruz, Executive Director of Sin Fronteras

City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley announced new enforcement policies last Wednesday on undocumented immigrant gang members. Under the new agreement, City and County prosecutors will partner closely with Federal Immigration and Custom agents to determine the immigration status of suspected gang members who violate the city’s gang-injunctions. Coming at a time when the LAPD has heightened its crackdown on gangs, the new policies will enhance data sharing as well as accelerate deportations for undocumented gang members. In addition, local prosecutors are being reassigned to the U.S. Attorney office to assist in persecuting immigration violations. Critics of Delgadillo’s plans caution that federal and local enforcement collaborations will spread fear and discourage the undocumented from cooperating with local authorities. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn alongside many civil rights activists recently called for suspension of Delgadillo’s plans until significant changes are made.