Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

MYRICK INCENSED OVER DEATH OF SCOTT GARDNER
Sends Letter Blasting US Immigration Officials Over Lack of Immigration Enforcement

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) fired off a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary Michael J. Garcia, and Acting Director of the
US Office of Detention and Removal Operations John P. Torres expressing her extreme displeasure about the deportation officer shortage in North Carolina.  Currently, there is only ONE deportation officer in North Carolina.

 Myrick sent the letter because one of her constituents, Scott Gardner of Mount Holly, NC, was killed by an illegal immigrant, Ramiro Gallegos, who was a repeated lawbreaker who had been convicted of driving while impaired three times.  In the letter Myrick expressed her outrage that “because your agency did not meet its obligations, Gallegos was free to wreak havoc, a good man is dead and his family and community are left to suffer.” 
 
 This is not the first time Myrick has expressed her concerns over the immigration situation in North Carolina.  To address some of the immigration issues Myrick has signed onto several immigration bills.  Notably, she is a co-sponsor of H.R. 3137, the Clear Law Enforcement for criminal Alien Removal Act (CLEAR) of 2005, sponsored by Rep. Norwood.  This bill, if enacted, will provide enhanced federal, state, and local assistance in the enforcement of immigration laws, and would deport illegal immigrants who are convicted of crimes.

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