A gang member was convicted of first degree murder of a promising football player and high school student Jamiel Shaw, who was gunned down just outside his home more than four years ago. more ›

Police chiefs from Arizona and all over the country are in Washington D.C. today seeking advice on SB 1070 from Attorney General Eric Holder. Arizona's new law, which requires police to look into the immigration status of people they stop, detain or arrest. The group, which includes LAPD's Chief Charlie Beck, are concerned the law could actually increase crime. The LA Times, which calls Beck "a leading critic" of the law, heard him speak at a press conference. more ›

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck yesterday emphasized that immigration status, in itself, is not a matter for police action. That directive comes under the controversial Special Order 40, which has been around since 1979, and is the opposite of Arizona's recently passed SB 1070. more ›

Prosecutors revealed today that they will seek the death penalty for Pedro Espinoza, the 18th Street "gang member accused of murdering a local high school football player," reports KTLA. Espinoza is charged with the March 2008 murder of Jamiel Shaw, a 17-year-old Los Angeles High School student who was known for his football talent. The accused, it was revealed, has been residing in the US illegally, and "had just been released from jail on a firearms charge the day before Shaw was killed." Espinoza's immigration status was part of the fuel re-stoking the fire about Special Order 40. more ›

Special Order 40 is a nearly 30-year-old law in Los Angeles that prohibits Los Angeles police officers from asking people about their immigration status. Part of the intent is to get more community cooperation when investigating a crime. Illegal immigrants who witness or know something about a crime would more likely avoid police because of their status without the order. more ›