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Congressman McCaul Brings Federal, Katy Law Enforcement Together to Remove Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Crimes

August 20, 2008

KATY, TX – Katy Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have combined to deport an illegal immigrant who was previously convicted of a child sex crime in the United States, and who police believed to still be a threat to the community. The removal was a result of an enhanced working relationship between the two law enforcement agencies brokered by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) in April.

The illegal immigrant was stopped by Katy Police on suspicion of committing another crime. Upon learning that the suspect was in the U.S. illegally, Katy Police called ICE agents. ICE was able to file a detainer which permits local authorities to hold a suspect for up to 48 hours, until ICE agents were able to take custody and begin the removal process.

"Too often our police and sheriffs deputies’ hands are tied when it comes to illegal immigration," Congressman McCaul said. "In this case police in Katy were able to remove someone who is not only in this country illegally but who they also viewed as a threat to children. This demonstrates the positive working relationship that has evolved for the benefit of our citizens."

Congressman McCaul organized meetings between Katy Police and ICE in an effort to maximize limited federal resources dedicated to enforcing immigration laws. The Houston ICE office has 35 officers working in 53 counties including Harris County, which demands the greatest attention. Smaller communities, including Katy, were virtually ignored because of a lack of ICE personnel and inmate housing capacity.

As a result of the compact between the two entities, Katy police now have a direct line of communication to ICE with the understanding that federal authorities will assist in removing an illegal immigrant depending on available resources and the severity of the crime. Katy Police had been aware of the convicted sex offender in the country illegally, but only ICE had the authority to deport him.

Congressman McCaul held a similar meeting between ICE and law enforcement from five other counties in his district in Brenham Tuesday. He is scheduled to host a third such meeting, between ICE and authorities in Harris County, in Houston next week.