Due to Kanjorski's Persistent Action to Address Illegal Immigration Incident, ICE Becomes More Responsive

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) facilitated a meeting with representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as Beaver Meadows Police Chief Michael Morresi and Beaver Meadows Mayor Bill Hines who joined via videoconference yesterday.  They discussed the incident that took place on July 25 when nine alleged illegal immigrants were apprehended by Beaver Meadows police and then released a few hours later after contacting ICE.  Because of Congressman Kanjorski's persistent action to address this issue and contact ICE on multiple occasions, ICE has been more responsive to incidents in Beaver Meadows and in near by areas.

"I am very concerned about this situation which is why I coordinated yesterday's meeting," said Congressman Kanjorski.  "I greatly appreciate Chief Morresi's assistance in keeping me updated on the incident.  I have always felt that if people want to be American citizens, they must play by the rules.  From ICE's recent actions in the area since July 25, I am hopeful that it will continue to be more responsive to the needs of local police departments."

"Congressman Kanjorski has been incredibly helpful in contacting ICE about the incident on July 25," said Beaver Meadows Police Chief Michael Morresi.  "His persistent efforts have helped ensure that ICE has been more responsive to related occurrences in Beaver Meadows and in the surrounding areas."

Below is a timeline of actions that Congressman Kanjorski took to address this issue:

• August 13 - Congressman Kanjorski sent a letter to Julie Myers, then-Assistant Secretary of ICE, to determine why ICE did not take appropriate action to transport the nine illegal immigrants to York County Jail.
• September 30 - Congressman Kanjorski sent a letter to Chief Morresi to receive his recollections of the incident.
• October 14 - Congressman Kanjorski sent another letter to Secretary Myers to determine for certain if ICE offered such assistance, as Beaver Meadows Chief of Police clearly stated that it did not. 
• October 28 - Congressman Kanjorski sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff calling on DHS to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
• December 10 - Congressman Kanjorski facilitated a meeting between ICE representatives and Chief Morresi.

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