Chairman McCaul Demands Answers from ICE on Detainee Releases
Media Contacts: Mike Rosen, Charlotte Sellmyer (202) 226-8417
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) today sent a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton demanding details about the release of illegal immigrants from U.S. detention centers. The letter can be found here and the text of the letter is as follows:
Dear Director Morton:
I am concerned about the recent announcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release a large number of detained persons. This decision reflects the lack of resource prioritization within the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is indicative of the Department’s weak stance on national security.
Congress mandated and provided resources to maintain 34,000 bed spaces for illegal immigrant detainees. As of last week, ICE reported 30,773 spaces filled, in clear violation of statute. I am also concerned that these releases were undertaken without notification to the appropriate Congressional oversight committees.
To better understand the details of these releases, I request you provide the following information, not later than March 6, 2013, relative to individuals already released, pending release, or forecast for release under this new policy:
- Total number of individuals released;
- Total number identified for release;
- Specific timeline and dates for future releases;
- Geographic breakdown of where detainees have been and will be released;
- For each individual, the specific reason for their initial detention;
- For each individual, the amount of time that they had been detained; and
- For each individual, the specific monitoring and tracking actions taken to maintain positive accountability of each person.
Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.
###
For a PDF of the letter click HERE.
