Reported by: Jenell Walton
Photographed by: 9News
It appears a coalition of groups from the Tri-state has a message for the Butler County Sheriff and others who say illegal immigrants should be prosecuted for breaking the law.
9News found a billboard across the street from the Butler County Sheriff's Office near the corner of Knightsbridge Drive and Central Avenue in Hamilton.
It quotes the Bible verse, Leviticus 19:34, "You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you."
Sheriff Richard Jones says his department is following the law when prosecuting illegal immigrants, therefore treating them just like others who break the law.
"I agree with the billboard. Come here, it's a great place to live and obey the law and you'll be treated just as those who are born here," Jones said. "So, it's a good thing. I agree with it as a matter of fact."
Catholics in Alliance, the Hamilton United Ministerial Association and the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform paid for the billboard.
The groups say illegal immigrants should be treated with more respect.
They say those arrested are real people and law enforcement should take that into consideration when prosecuting illegal immigrants.
They say law enforcement should also show more compassion towards illegal immigrants.
