Civil rights groups are calling for a repeal of the South Carolina Immigration Reform in the wake of allegations against the Horry County Police Department.
Former officer David Jolliff claims at least one officer forwarded a game called "Border Patrol," which allows players to shoot undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S. - Mexico border.
The South Carolina Hispanic Leadership Council, ACLU, and Church World Services say this shows racial profiling and discrimination will interfere with the law.
"This type of bigotry is horrible in any environment, but its use by law enforcement officers is deeply disturbing and raises serious concerns about the implementation of SB 20," said Ivan Segura, a Board Member of the South Carolina Hispanic Leadership Council in a press release. "It's an embarrassment to the state that law enforcement would stoop to this level of bigotry."
The bill allows police to stop anyone they suspect may be in the country illegally and ask for identification.
"Governor Haley stated that SB20 would not lead to racial profiling, but it's hard to believe that will be the case when law enforcement officers are acting in this manner," said Victoria Middleton of the South Carolina ACLU. "This is exactly why we opposed this legislation from the beginning."
"While we understand people's frustration with the current immigration laws, we cannot allow our fears to create environments where vigilantes in uniform act out this video game in real life," said Amanda Jackson of Church World Services. "We need an immigration system that upholds our values and not our fears."
What do you think about immigration reform? Do you think police playing "Border Patrol" is proof that racial profiling exists?
