LETTERS

Standing tall

Regarding “Sheriff scraps ties with immigrant-screening program” (Page A1, Feb. 22), Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez followed through on his promise to end the 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a program that diverted resources, promoted racial profiling, and damaged community relationships.

The program had local police officers determining the immigration status of jailed suspects and holding those selected for deportation. Gonzalez cited overcrowding in the county jail complex, staff shortages and overtime costs as his reasoning, but public safety was also a concern. When people who are here undocumented come to view their local police and sheriffs with distrust due to fear of deportation, it emboldens criminals to act.

Local law enforcement has repeatedly spoken in favor of trust policies for another reason: honoring detainers issued by ICE has led to counties facing costly legal penalties when someone was detained without a warrant or court order. Simply put, our local law enforcement officers should not perform the functions of federal immigration agents within local jails.

Instead, cities and counties should focus on policies that strengthen their communities and ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes feel safe speaking to police. Cities and localities need to make pragmatic, rational choices about how to best keep their community safe.

I’d like to thank Sheriff Gonzalez for his decision to end the 287(g) program but also encourage him to stop honoring future ICE detainers, which are requests to hold noncitizens past their date of release without a warrant or probable cause. Houston is better than that.

Ruby L. Powers is managing attorney for the Houston-based immigration law firm Powers Law Group P.C.

Paying the cost

Regarding “Trump proves he can deliver with address” (Page A13, Thursday), columnist Hugh Hewitt is correct in his analysis that “Trump delivered Tuesday night” during his speech before a joint session of Congress — one-third Shining City on the Hill, one-third voodoo Reaganomics and one-third LBJ Great Society.

Apparently Hewitt, in his swoon, has abandoned his conservative bona fides and thrown the national debt to the wind.

Alan Husak, Houston

Awesome ‘Paris’

Regarding “‘American in Paris’ can dance around flaws, ugly realities” (Page D2, Feb. 25), an “American in Paris” was awesome! There are not words to describe the beauty of the music, the choreography, the dancers, the costumes, the orchestra, the staging and scenery and even the lighting.

I love Gershwin, and this production brought to life this beautiful music. The dancing is fluid, beautifully executed and exudes grace. The actors not only sing beautifully but dance with a heart that extends to the audience. The story is well honed, the costumes are reminiscent of the 1940s and even the scene changes are well executed.

I left this performance with happiness and wanted to share what a wonderful experience this musical is, and it should be seen before it leaves town.

Susan Godwin, Houston