JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Federal immigration authorities are training local law enforcement officers in Missouri on how to help enforce immigration laws.

More than 60 police departments nationwide have requested training through Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Gov. Matt Blunt ordered the Highway Patrol to conduct the training last year.

Lawmakers had considered legislation to allow the training but none passed.

A spokeswoman for Blunt says the authority instead comes from a separate bill that authorizes troopers to do public safety projects approved or funded by the Legislature.

Blunt is asking lawmakers to approve $87,000 to train 25 troopers.