When It Comes to Immigration Policy, Most of Washington Is Living in a September 10th World

By Congressman Ed Royce
Ranking Member - Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Terrorism

Local police are a crucial cog in the War on Terrorism.  Our country has made great strides in fighting terrorism since the cowardly attacks of 9/11.  This hard work could soon unravel with the Flake-Gutierrez immigration bill and the Senate legislation under consideration next week.  There is significant potential for us to lose ground in this fight.

The recent arrest of six fundamental Islamists who were charged with plotting to attack the Fort Dix Amy base and "kill as many soldiers as possible" should serve as a dramatic wakeup call.   Among the suspects were the Duka brothers who were in this country illegally.  Despite being Albanian, they had crossed into this country from Mexico.   Between them, the three brothers have violated the law at least 54 times - the crimes ranged from drug convictions to traffic violations.  That is 54 opportunities that local law enforcement had to run the names of these terrorist plotters.  It is 54 opportunities to identify them as illegal aliens and deport them.  Will we have as many chances next time?

We must not forget that four of the 9/11 terrorists had been stopped by local police for speeding prior to the jetliner attacks on the World Trade Towers.  All four terrorists could have been arrested had police asked the right questions and realized that they were illegal immigrants.  After 9/11, the Department of Justice issued an opinion that state and local police officers do indeed have the legal authority and obligation to arrest any deportable illegal immigrant.  This served to reinforce to local law enforcement agencies just how crucial their role is in the war against terrorism.  They are our eyes and ears, effectively our first line of defense - local law enforcement can and should be making immigration arrests.  Local agencies responded strongly. The number of inquiries to the Law Enforcement Support Center to check on the immigration status of suspects nearly doubled after 9/11. 

The Flake-Gutierrez immigration bill inexplicably sets out to drastically limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to assist with immigration laws during the normal course of their duties.  It explicitly limits their authority solely to the criminal provisions of immigration laws.  The bill will allow illegal aliens who overstay their visas and are subsequently stopped for violations from being reported to immigration authorities.  Regrettably the 9/11 hijackers fall into this category.

Next Wednesday, the Senate is set to debate the immigration bill that it passed last year.  That bill contained the same measure restricting local law enforcement.

The enforcement bill that Republicans passed through the House last year only to be stalled in the Senate penalized any state or locality with a sanctuary policy.  The Republican bill encouraged state and local law enforcement to help in policing our immigration laws.  It provided grants to states and localities and instruction in the investigation, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention and transfer to Federal custody of illegal aliens.

When it comes to border security, it is time for Washington to wake up to the lessons of September 11th.

Comments

[The Mechanical Eye]

Hello Congressman Royce:

I, too, share you concern about the Ft. Dix plot.

But had the men allegedly involved been convicted of any of the crimes you mentioned, they would have been stopped long before the plot began. That they were illegal immigrants is important, but even if they were citizens they wouldn't have proceeded. This is a failure of the local police, regardless of national immigration policy.

Further, Congressman Royce, have you read reports that the informant who turned in the Duka brothers may have been the main instigator, leading perhaps to an entrapment defense?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18601345/

It may yet turn out that these men may have been spurred on by the FBI.

But my main concern is that we are conflating illegal immigration with Islamic terrorism, confusing and inflaming a major issue in Southern California. Implying that the average visa violator is a potential terrorist ("Regrettably the 9/11 hijackers fall into this category") undermines your credibility as a sincere voice, and may be used to demonstrate that you are pursuing mere demagoguery on the internet and over radio talk shows like the John and Ken Show.

Calmer voices must prevail lest we confuse multiple issues as one.

If you worry that the federal government believes it is September 10th, I fear that you'll be viewed as believing it is September 12th.

DU

[Been Around]

Hey T.M.E., it is Sept 12! Royce deserves credit for taking on the issue of our nation's very survival. There are millions of Muslim terrorists being trained across the globe. They hate us and they hate our culture and freedom. They want to kill us.
I wish we had more like Royce in Congress - and in the White House.

[Art Pedroza]

So tell me Royce, how did invading Iraq make us safer? Oh right, it didn't. You Reeps blew it - and now we are utterly in debt to China. Nice outcome there. You have only yourselves to blame for the loss of Congress and the eventual loss of the White House.

When I hear a GOP Congressman pontificating, I change the station...none of you have even one iota of credibility re terrorism or anything else.

[Pedrozabot]

Carp, complain and criticise. That's all you do, Art.

Tell us, Mr. Foreign Policy Genius: what would you do in Iraq? How do you propose dealing with Iran. What's your strategy for winning the war on terrorists?

Do you have a single answer or idea? Or do you just type out these stupid, ignorant rants about Republicans?

Any idiot can just complain, as you prove every day.

[Pat]

I applaud your stand in Washington against illegal immigration, Mr. Royce.

What are police in cities in your district doing with regard to illegal immigrants who violate another law, and what have you done to encourage enforcement?

Related to non-enforcement locally, TME, you say, "This is a failure of the local police, regardless of national immigration policy." This is a failure of local police specifically because of national immigration policy. It's hands off, or the grievance industry will be upon you, in Jersey or OC. The fear of being smeared as a racist is the only reason I can think of why crime, from stealing grocery carts to plotting terror attacks, is ignored until it reaches the level of a proposed attack on an Army base.

[Art Pedroza]

9:30,

When the French helped our country to win the Revolutionary War against the British, they did not stay here and hold our hands. They gave us money, they ran blockades, and they lent us advisors. Sounds like a good formula for Iraq.

[9:30]

Someone please mail Art an American history book.

The French sent an army to America to fight with us against the British. Not advisers -- an ARMY.

Any other bright ideas?

[James Na]

Thank you for your good work at Washington.I am happy to see that we have a great congressman representing us in California.I am wondering whom should be held responsible if another 9-11 happens in our nation?....the correct answer: ALL OF US.