Commissioners Reject Two Resolutions on Immigration

TYLER � Smith County commissioners have rejected two resolutions addressing possible housing for illegal immigrants. Commissioner Terry Phillips believes an overwhelming number of illegal immigrants in the county would be both a health risk and a safety concern. County Judge Joel Baker agreed with Phillips but said the county has no authority to deny cooperation with the state or federal government. Baker told KETK, �I agree that the borders need to be secure and this immigration issue needs to be dealt with in an appropriate manner, and it�s not being dealt with in an appropriate manner. But we cannot as a commissioners court effect the proper change.�