WASHINGTON–Today U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee On Immigration, Refugees and Border Security, received a briefing in Washington from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Sen. Cornyn requested the briefing in a November 19, 2008, letter to ICE following a Houston Chronicle report citing ICE’s failure to detain and immediately remove from the U.S. hundreds of dangerous criminal aliens upon their release from Harris County jails.
“I am pleased that ICE and Harris County officials are moving quickly to address my concerns. ICE informed me that they have developed an effective working relationship with Harris County and other Texas law enforcement entities to ensure all criminal aliens housed in the Harris County system are screened for immigration and criminal history. In addition, ICE assured me that they are working with State and local law enforcement to ensure that dangerous criminal aliens, repeat offenders, and felons are detained prior to removal from the United States to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens. I look forward to helping the Department of Homeland Security team up with local law enforcement throughout Texas so that we do not see a repeat of this unacceptable situation.
“While it is clear that ICE, along with State and local law enforcement in Texas, are working to address this dangerous issue, this investigation is only the latest example of why comprehensive immigration reform must be a top priority in 2009 for Congress and the incoming administration.
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