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TUCSON, Ariz. — Guidelines issued by U.S. attorneys in Texas showed that most illegal immigrants crossing into the state had to be arrested at least six times before federal authorities would prosecute them, according to an internal Justice Department memo.

The disclosure provides a rare view of how federal authorities attempt to curb illegal immigration. The memo was released this week in response to a congressional investigation of the dismissals of eight U.S. attorneys.

The Border Patrol makes more than 1 million arrests a year on the U.S.-Mexico border. T.J. Bonner, head of a union representing Border Patrol agents, said it's unrealistic to prosecute all violators.

"Let's be honest, there isn't enough jail space to incarcerate everyone who crosses that border," said Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council. "If everyone demanded hearing in front of an immigration judge, it would bring our system to a grinding halt in a matter of days!
What do you have to say?

2007-03-22 21:21:35 · 4 answers · asked by dottygoatbeagle 3 in Politics & Government Law Enforcement & Police

4 answers

being a Texan -- i'm really pissed about this.

i see it like this:
picked up once -- automatic deportation. picked up twice -- automatic 5 year prison sentence. picked up a third time -- 20 prison sentence.

i think that would send the correct message!!

2007-03-23 03:10:54 · answer #1 · answered by George in Texas 3 · 1 0

You question makes no sense. The States cannot prosecute people for violating federal law; they don't have jurisdiction. So the State of Texas doesn't have anything to do with it. All these decisions are made by the Federal Government, in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of the Department of Homeland Security. This agency is under the direct control of the executive branch, that is, the President.

Why doesn't ICE prosecute everyone on the 1st or 2nd detention? $, $, $. There are not enough resources to do it and the same people b*****ing and moaning about it don't want to shoulder the expense that involves more agents, more courts, and more detention centers (read: billions of dollars).

2007-03-23 04:40:20 · answer #2 · answered by elvez 2 · 0 1

Texan politicians are lenient on illegals because they get majority of their votes from Mexican-Americans.

2007-03-23 00:24:54 · answer #3 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1 0

No one likes high grass....we give 'em 6 times so my yard gets cut regularly.

2007-03-23 06:36:18 · answer #4 · answered by dude0795 4 · 0 1

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