"This bill represents our best chance at real, meaningful reform and a comprehensive solution to our broken immigration system," Gonzales said, speaking to the National Sheriffs' Association annual convention in Salt Lake City. "This issue is simply too important for us to wait any longer. We need to be able to enforce the law."

Gonzales said he and the president hope the Senate acts on the immigration legislation, "and that your organization will encourage them to give us the tools that I believe will ultimately make your job easier."

The sheriffs, however, have not jumped on board. In a closed session, sheriffs questioned the attorney general on particulars of the department's illegal immigration strategy, federal financial assistance and other matters.

The sheriffs' question to Gonzales, said Laramie County, Wyo., Sheriff Danny Glick, was, "What we can expect from our federal brethren?"

"He's asking for our support in the legislation that's being prepared now," Glick said. "The question was, 'Is it going to work?' "

Former Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard, now the executive director of the National Sheriffs' Association, said the group has not endorsed the bill, but has worked with the Bush administration and Senate leaders to make sure their concerns with the immigration legislation are addressed.

The NSA's policy statement identifies several issues the group wants addressed in the legislation, including clearly defining authority and responsibility for local law enforcement; implementing workplace enforcement; combating immigrant smuggling; training law enforcement; and funding detention with federal money.

"The President recognizes, just as I do, the vital role many sheriffs, especially those of you in border areas, have been playing in dealing with crime associated with illegal immigration. But we recognize this issue is primarily a federal responsibility. It is our responsibility and we need to step up and take care of it," Gonzales said to applause from the sheriffs.

The Senate voted Tuesday to revive the immigration legislation and leaders hope to complete the bill this week, with plans to work on it through the weekend if necessary.

"NSA will be a big part of making sure the immigration bill satisfies law enforcement's needs," Kennard said. "I don't think it will be an issue of if [we support the bill], but an issue of when."