This week's hot button issue is a rerun. But don't turn the channel on the so-called undocumented aka illegal immigrant soap opera. 

What's the latest constitutional/unconstitutional flap courtesy of the Trump administration? Detainer requests. That's when Homeland Security, ICE, or other federal agency asks local law enforcement to share information, without a warrant, on jail birds that may be here illegally. The emphasis is on may be here illegally. The courts will be the final arbiter over detainer requests. Considering the pending litigation, Attorney General Sessions should cool is heels on his threat to pull funding from Sanctuary cities. Contrary to warped thought, the courts could easily rule against the administration. The ACLU and other elected officials inside and out of the Commonwealth believe detainer requests are unconstitutional. Imagine the uproar, the negative PR, the backlash against the GOP in the 2018 elections if the Trumpetts are again wrong.

Don't get me wrong. The feds should be able to yank funding from sanctuary cities. That's my personal taxing bias speaking. However, if Somerville, Boston or New Bedford desires sanctuary city status, cool, as long as the people comprehend the consequences of doing so.

Now, we have State Rep. Michelle DuBois. She fired a volley, via Facebook, warning illegal immigrants of a potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement walk through in Brockton, a city she represents. Here's one of the quotes from DuBois, "I have a message for the immigrant community of Brockton. Please be care on Wednesday 29. ICE will be in Brockton on that day. If you are undocumented don't go out on the street. If there is a knock on the door of your house and you don't know who it is, don't open the door. I ask you to be careful." 

One may question the motives of DuBois. She's sticking up for her constituents, using the private media tool known as Facebook to tell them to be careful. Don't answer the door if you don't know who it is. Keep off the streets. That's hardly a threat. I told my kids the same when they were young and vulnerable. Calling DuBois' actions criminal and for her to be thrown out of office, prosecuted, censured, go beyond the pale. Prosecute her on what charge?

Consider this. If illegal immigration is a crime, and by federal law it is, what crime would we charge the illegal? Trespassing. If found guilty of trespassing how much time do you get behind bars? A $25, $50, maybe a $100 fine, you say. Why deport for trespassing. Slap on the fine, then give the illegal the necessary paperwork to become a legal resident. By the way, Mexico does the same if foreigners over stay their visa or do not have one. If the illegal refuses to fill out legalization papers, offer a one way ticket to their birth place. 

The above commentary presumes any illegal immigrant in question, is not convicted of a crime, other than trespassing. Any illegal committing a crime in the states, deserves due process of law. If/when ruled guilty, deport ASAP!

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420