More than 500 people gathered in Forest Park on Thursday night as Latinos United for Clayton County invited law enforcement leaders to discuss Georgia's new immigration law, Channel 2 Action News reports.
Starting July 1, under Georgia’s House Bill 87, which is similar to Arizona's law, police will have the power to investigate the immigration status of certain suspects. In a phased-in component, employers will have to verify that their employees are eligible to work in the United States.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed the bill in May, and it has led to unease among immigrants.
"There's a whole fear about anytime you see the police, they're going to stop you and utilize this law and utilize it in ways that you are unfairly targeted," Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough told Channel 2.
Law enforcement officials sought to put people at ease during the meeting, with Clayton County Police Chief Greg Porter emphasizing communication within the community.
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