|
December 19, 2002 REP. HARMAN FEARS DETENTION OF MIDDLE EASTERN MEN AND BOYS SETS BACK NATION'S FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM-- Calls on INS to explain detention of hundreds in the Southland -- Washington, DC - Following news reports surrounding the detention of hundreds of Middle Eastern men and boys who were arrested when they voluntarily complied with orders to register at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office, U.S. Representative Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) called on the INS to explain these actions by convening a series of "town halls" around the country after the New Year. In a letter to Acting INS Commissioner Michael Garcia, Harman wrote: "I fear that an even more serious consequence of INS' actions is to set back our nation's fight against terrorism. Many of the individuals who complied with the INS registration could be resources for our war; now they have been alienated. I doubt the Services' arrest and detention unwittingly trapped any al Qaeda supporters, but I am sure it dissuaded people more knowledgeable about the Middle East, its culture and politics than you or I from cooperating in the future." Harman's letter follows this release.
December 19, 2002 The Honorable Michael J. Garcia Dear Commissioner Garcia: My constituents and I are greatly disturbed by news reports of the detention of hundreds of Middle Eastern men and boys who were arrested when they voluntarily complied with orders to appear at INS offices for a special registration program. Roundups of individuals who would not otherwise be subjects of suspicion or investigation echo some of the most shameful periods of American history during World War II. To be sure, as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, I don't take lightly the serious threat of terrorism. But how we fight terrorism must reflect American values. That arrest and detention occurred when these individuals were voluntarily complying with a Justice Department registration order is arguably legal entrapment. Many of the individuals are reported to have applied for green cards and were awaiting INS processing. As you know, the President strongly supported extending the 245(i) program and I assume many of the individuals detained had applied under the safe harbor 245(i) provides. I fear that an even more serious consequence of INS' actions is to set back our nation's fight against terrorism. Many of the individuals who complied with the INS registration could be resources for our war; now they have been alienated. I doubt the Services' arrest and detention unwittingly trapped any al Qaeda supporters, but I am sure it dissuaded people more knowledgeable about the Middle East, its culture and politics than you or I from cooperating in the future. To clear-up misunderstanding and explain the INS action, I urge you to convene a series of "town halls" around the country soon after the New Year. My office and I will be happy to assist in setting one up for California's 36th Congressional District. Sincerely, JANE HARMAN ### Home | Lobby | Congresswoman Harman's Office | Press | Issues | Casework | District Office | Library | Webmaster | Privacy Policy | Contact
|