Bogota is considering a new way to curb illegal rental apartments and crack down on illegal immigrants.

Town officials are considering applying for federal permission to deputize local police, giving them the power to enforce immigration laws.

?It gives our police better access to federal records and to federal assistance into doing a better job protecting our community,? Mayor Steve Lonegan said.

Lonegan said the problem in Bogota involves illegal immigrants living in illegal apartments. He said some houses have four families living in them at a time.

?These units are often not safe,? Lonegan said. ?They?re in attics or basements without proper fire escapes.?

If Bogota does apply for permission to deputize police officers, it would become the second town in the state to do so. Morristown was the first. Lonegan has been an outspoken critic of illegal immigration for a long time. There are already tough loitering laws in Bogota against illegal day laborers.

Lonegan said he is working with the town?s police chief to see if deputizing officers would be a good fit for the department.