The federal government has deported more illegal immigrants from the U.S. than ever before, the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday as part of an effort to push back on the suggestion Washington isn't doing enough.
"For those who doubt the federal government's resolve in the enforcement of immigration law, let me say this: We are committed to strong, effective immigration enforcement, and the facts speak for themselves," ICE Director John Morton said.
He said his agency removed a record 380,000 illegal immigrants from the U.S. last fiscal year, and about a third of them were convicted criminals. So far this fiscal year, ICE removed 136,000 illegal immigrants who are convicted criminals, also a record, Morton said.
"Is there more work to be done? Absolutely. Is the problem a significant one, a challenging one for the nation? Absolutely," he said. But "we're in this for the long haul. ... We're going to get this right."
Border staffing also is at an all-time high, and will only increase under a $600 million plan by President Barack Obama to put more agents and equipment along the Mexican border, Morton said.
The measure would fund the hiring of 1,000 new Border Patrol agents to be deployed at critical areas along the border, 250 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and 250 more Customs and Border Protection officers.
From politicians to average residents, many in Arizona and elsewhere say the federal government isn't doing its job despite the increased efforts and deportations.
More
[Talk is cheap, Chief. We'll be watching what you do. -- Editor]
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
IF they do get it right (which they won't), it will be the first time the federal government has ever done ANYTHING right. Don't hold your breathe-this is an election year ploy to try and fool the public into thinking they want border security because they have finally figured out that the lawlessness on the border is not in their best interest (politically). It's nothing more than another 600 million dollar lie from the regime.
ReplyDeleteWhile 380,000 were sent out, 2 million walked in. Like trying to fill a sieve with water. Without closing the borders and enforcing immigration, wasting time "processing" 380,000 people is a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteA pat on the back for nothing!
ReplyDeleteWhy is no one talking about an "employment fence". This is what is driving me absolutely bonkers. So-called fiscal conservatives would rather spend billions on a fence that won't work while lefties call moves to go after illegal inhumane. Illegals won't come if they can't find work.
ReplyDelete4:37-- you're absolutely right. And that should definitely be a major tool in getting this under control, along with real border security.
ReplyDeleteGet a reliable way to verify potential employees, then TAKE THEIR BUSINESS if they hire illegals.