October 1, 2009
Honorable Janet Napolitano
Secretary of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
Dear Madam Secretary,
I was appalled and dismayed as I read yesterday’s Houston Chronicle article detailing cases of illegal aliens convicted of child sexual abuse who were deported on commercial flights without ICE escorts.
The actions of ICE supervisors in these instances are inexcusable. In three reported cases, ICE supervisors knowingly permitted convicted sex offenders, unescorted, onto lengthy international flights with the public, contrary to field agents’ recommendations. And ICE did not see fit to notify airline staff, who may have been responsible for unaccompanied minors on these flights, because the supervisors had reduced the field agents’ classification of the risk posed by these criminal aliens.
I recognize that these represent only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of illegal aliens safely deported on commercial flights each year. I also appreciate the cost constraints under which ICE operates, and ICE’s efforts to use its limited taxpayer-provided funds responsibly. I am a strong supporter of your mission and am encouraged by your many successes under trying conditions.
But convicted sex offenders taken from the custody of the U.S. Government and introduced without notice into the public present a risk too great for mistakes in a supervisor’s judgment. Every such deportee should be escorted by ICE. I understand that Senator Mary Landrieu urged this resolution nearly a year ago, without results. I now renew that request, and intend to introduce legislation to that effect very shortly.
I stand ready to assist you in securing whatever means are necessary to protect our borders and those legally present within them. Please feel free to contact me to discuss further measures to address illegal immigration, and thank you for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Jason Chaffetz
Member of Congress
Houston Chronicle Article: http://chaffetz.house.gov/ICE%20Unescorted%20Deportees%20-%20Houston%20Chronicle%20Article%20-%209-30-09.pdf
Rep. Chaffetz' Official Letter: http://chaffetz.house.gov/ICE%20Unescorted%20Deportees%20-%20Letter%20to%20Sec%20Napolitano%20-%2010-1-09.pdf
