ICE chief criticizes Arizona immigration law

[Hazcat]

by Oscar Avila - May. 19, 2010 01:41 PM
Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO - Arizona's new law targeting illegal immigration is not "good government," a top Department of Homeland Security official said in Chicago on Wednesday.

John Morton, who heads U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona officials. The best way to reduce illegal immigration is through a comprehensive federal approach, not a patchwork of state laws, he said.

"I don't think the Arizona law, or laws like it, are the solution," Morton said during a visit to the Chicago Tribune editorial board.

While Americans frustrated over illegal immigration urge the Obama administration to do more, officials also have been criticized by Latino activists over the increase in immigrants deported back to their home countries. Despite the outcry, Morton said his agency intended to step up enforcement in places like Illinois.

A former federal prosecutor, Morton said his agency intends to expand the Secure Communities initiative, which gives local sheriff's departments and police access to a Homeland Security database that includes fingerprints. The initiative recently grew to include most of Chicago's suburbs.

Morton also said the agency intends to increase scrutiny of employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

"If we're going to bring about meaningful changes in behavior, you have to do that by focusing on the employer," he said.

Morton acknowledged that a wide spectrum of Americans is frustrated over the immigration system - from pro-reform activists upset that President Barack Obama has not aggressively pushed a legalization bill to immigration hawks who perceive that the U.S.-Mexico border remains porous.

"In the immigration business, if they are against you on both sides, it's generally a sign that you're doing something right," he said.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/19/20100519arizona-immigration-law-ICE-chief-opposes.html

Comments at link.

[tombogan03884]

I only agree with one line of that

"If we're going to bring about meaningful changes in behavior, you have to do that by focusing on the employer," he said.

[Rastus]

Morton should keep his political opinion to himself as a government employee and do his job as outlined by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.

He is apparently unwilling to do that.  He should be replaced.

[rojawe]

How can we get that idiot fired its not his job to pick and choose the laws he wants to enforce. Enforce our laws or get out of the way and why your at it Jail employers that hire illegals

[tombogan03884]

I have 4 words for John Morten ;
Do your fu%$ing job !

[Sponsor]

[bulldog75]

I have 4 words for John Morten ;
Do your fu%$ing job !

+1 Here.

 He is just pissed that someone else (Small law enforcement agencies that have very little resources can out perform his agency) has to do his job for him because he is a grossly incompetent dumb arse. It goes to show you that we do not need big government to do this. Shows the dam liberals that small agencies with alot of heart is better than big ones with big budgets.

[ericire12]

I have 4 words for John Morten ;
Do your fu%$ing job !

Thats it in a nutshell. This is nothing less then dereliction of duty.

[SwoopSJ]

officials also have been criticized by Latino activists over the increase in immigrants deported back to their home countries.

Maybe I'm just dense, but I can't even begin to understand their point of view.  Breaking the law is breaking the law, plain and simple.  Murderers, rapists, and thieves (just random examples, not comparisons) typically don't disagree that people that commit these crimes deserve to be imprisoned.  Entering this country illegally is a CRIME, so why complain when you or others are deported when caught?     Hey, I'll greet you with open arms if you want to go through the (legitimate, no amnesty crap) process of gaining citizenship.  At that point you probably have more of a right to be here that I do, at least you've earned it.

Swoop