WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) responded to the release of 13 illegal immigrants working in St. Francois County by saying federal officials should never undo the good work of local law enforcement.

“I have been a very enthusiastic part of past efforts to help support a partnership between federal immigration enforcement agencies and local law enforcement.  We put a lot of effort and a considerable amount of funding into training up police and sheriffs’ departments to deal with the serious problem of illegal immigration in the U.S.,” Emerson said.  “But there has been a policy shift at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently that has resulted in more and more local law enforcement agencies being told to turn loose the illegal immigrants they apprehend in their communities.  It’s disheartening and outrageous.”

Emerson cited a previous example in Ozark County from January, in which the release of four illegal immigrants was ordered by federal immigration officials.  She said the federal policy, known as catch-and-release, returns illegal immigrants almost immediately to the communities in which they are working without any kind of federal effort at enforcement of U.S. law.

“Unfortunately, what happened is not an isolated incident in St. Francois County.  In other places around Missouri and across the country, the work of our police officers, sheriffs and deputies is being undone by federal officials.  It’s not the fault of the St. Francois County Sheriff – he’s doing his job.  We ought to have everyone on the same page, and the federal government ought to take a much tougher line on illegal immigration,” Emerson said.

The Eighth District Representative also responded to speculation that Congress will take up an immigration reform measure later this year.

“So many people have worked very hard to honestly and legally go through the immigration and naturalization processes,” Emerson said.  “It is unacceptable to change the rules of U.S. residence and citizenship to accommodate individuals who flout the laws of our country.  I’ll keep a watchful eye on this situation in Congress, and I’ll continue working to find ways to strengthen U.S. border security.”