ICE arrests almost 3,000 convicted criminal aliens; Obama Blames GOP for Lack of Immigration Reform

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced the results of a seven-day national “Cross Check” enforcement operation-which led to the arrest of more than 2,900 convicted criminal aliens.

For the full story, see:  “Cross Check”

According to ICE:  “The results of this targeted enforcement operation underscore ICE’s ongoing commitment and focus on the arrest and removal of convicted criminal aliens and those that game our nation’s immigration system,” said ICE Director John Morton. “Because of the tireless efforts and teamwork of ICE officers and agents in tracking down at large criminal aliens and fugitives, there are 2,901 fewer criminal aliens in our neighborhoods across the country.”  All of the 2,901 individuals taken into custody had prior criminal convictions including at least 1,282 aliens who had multiple criminal convictions.  

This effort certainly seems to be in line with the recent emphasis on Prosecutorial Discretion.  Prosecutorial Discretion focuses on cases that are considered “low priority” and which may be administratively closed. Those that are considered a “high priority” will be prosecuted more aggressively.  Removing aliens with criminal convictions is a High Priority act.  

Wednesday’s announcement came on the same day that Obama stated that Republicans lack the leadership to put comprehensive immigration reform back to the table, during an online roundtable about issues in the Hispanic community.  See CNN.  Obama reiterated at this Meeting that he supports a pathway for legal status for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. His immigration vision includes having undocumented immigrants pay a fine or learn English, or other steps that will lead to citizenship.  But immigration reform has not been on the table, even though in the past, Republicans such as George W. Bush and John McCain supported the idea.  Right now, “we don’t have that kind of leadership in the Republican Party,” Obama said.  The president would like to see Republicans move back to the position they had just a few years ago, he said.  In the meantime, Obama said, the government will continue to enforce the laws on the books but will prioritize accordingly.  The highest priority for identification and deportation are undocumented immigrants who are criminals, he said.  CNN

I am not arguing with the results of the raid.  But, these two events seems to be well orchestrated.  All in one day, the Administration nabs a bunch of criminal aliens, and Obama reaffirms his commitment to immigration reform and puts the blame on the GOP.  Of course, the Democrats controlled Congress not too long ago, under the Present Administration.  Obama has and had failed to pass any immigration reform.  Adding insult to injury to many, the Obama Administration has deported a record number of immigrants.  See earlier article on Obama 

Obama will need to do much more than today’s synchronized acts.  Obama won all three battleground states, which have large Hispanic and Latino populations, in the 2008 election. Keeping the states in the Democratic column is crucial for the president’s re-election chances.  CNN.  My prediction is that he will have to make bold and concrete changes now to hold onto this voter bloc.