CONGRESSMAN MCCAUL PUSHES TO EXPAND ICE RESOURCES AND DISCUSSES THE ESCALATING VIOLENCE ALONG THE BORDER

As printed in the Cypress Times

AUSTIN – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) urged the Department of Homeland Security to increase funding and resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The increase would allow ICE to train more local law enforcement agencies to detain suspected criminal aliens, and ultimately begin the deportation process.

"If it’s not broken don’t fix it. Expand it," said Rep. McCaul to DHS officials testifying before the Homeland Security Committee. "I think the American people are frustrated by the immigration issue. But when they see illegal immigrants come into this country and commit crimes they find that to be intolerable and unacceptable. They certainly do in my district."

ICE's 287(g) program allows local law enforcement agencies voluntary training so they may detain illegal aliens and start the deportation process. Harris County, Carrolton and Farmer's Branch are the only places in Texas currently participating. Most local law enforcement agencies in the 10th District were told that ICE did not have the resources to train their officers.
In lieu of training, last summer Congressman McCaul held meetings with local law enforcement in his district to help them gain a better working relationship with ICE. A subsequent cooperative effort between ICE and the Katy Police Department resulted in the arrest and initializing deportation of a criminal alien who was previously convicted of a child sex crime, and who authorities still considered a threat to the community.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Rep. McCaul invited DHS officials to the 10th District to see for themselves the need for greater resources to expand 287 (g) training. "I think that is an issue that we in this Congress should be focused on. It’s a successful program. I think it deserves expansion," Rep. McCaul said.

DHS and the Sheriff of Frederick County, Maryland, testified that they have found no evidence of racial profiling or discrimination in the implementation of the 287 (g) program. "None of our (Office of Professional Responsibility) reports have reflected any," said William Riley, Acting Dir., Office of State and Local Coordination for ICE.