LaMalfa Questions Homeland Security Plan to Release Illegal Immigrants

Washington, DC – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)today commented on the Department of Homeland Security’s order to release as many as 10,000 detained illegal immigrants under the pretenses of President Obama’s sequester funding cuts.

“The Department of Homeland Security’s plan to release thousands of convicted criminals is simply playing politics with Americans’ safety,”said LaMalfa. “This is a reckless course of action that could easily be avoided, but it’s no surprise that the administration has chosen to push a political agenda rather than make the tough decisions the federal deficit demands.”

According to information released by the House Judiciary Committee, DHS plans to release thousands of illegal immigrants already convicted of crimes including theft, fraud and drunk driving. Additionally, the committee reported that DHS is releasing documented gang members and those arrested for serious crimes who have not yet been convicted. While DHS has a number of other options to make the spending reductions the President’s sequester requires, Secretary Napolitano has chosen to release thousands of criminals rather than look for savings with the DHS’ $50 billion budget.

“The President’s sequester means that every part of the government will be cut, including Congress, and my office has worked to ensure that we can continue our mission of serving the First District.” LaMalfa added. “The question is, why didn’t the Department of Homeland Security plan look for savings in its $50 billion budget rather than ignore one of its largest responsibilities?”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District including, Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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