WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today added her support to Missouri Governor Matt Blunt’s request for “Section 287g” authority to enable Missouri law enforcement to assist federal authorities with enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows state and local law enforcement agencies with proper certification to help enforce federal laws.

“With an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants thought to be living in the U.S. today, federal authorities are clearly overwhelmed.  Across the country, hardworking members of the local law enforcement community encounter illegal aliens who continue to commit crimes after they come to America,” said U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson.  “I applaud the state of Missouri for standing up and saying enough is enough and volunteering to help.  Clearly, Governor Blunt understands the urgency of this situation and the frustration of dealing with criminal illegal aliens – and I share his concern.”

Emerson noted the prevalence of methamphetamine trafficking from sources south of the U.S. border with Mexico as a major reason for expanding the state’s capabilities.

“Meth traffickers are expert at sneaking over the border again and again with a dangerous cargo that poisons American communities with narcotic drugs.  But even when these criminals are caught by state troopers or local officers, they cannot coordinate with federal immigration authorities to prove the criminal’s status in our country,” Emerson pointed out.  “The same can be said of other criminals escaping justice in their home countries to come to America, especially members of violent gangs who get rich smuggling drugs and people into the United States.  We have to stop this behavior and prosecute these folks to the fullest extent of the law.”

Emerson is also a sponsor of the CLEAR Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, legislation which would expand the role of local authorities in enforcing immigration law.  The bill would enhance cooperation and information sharing between federal agencies and state and local officers.
 
 
The text of Emerson’s letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement follows:

Assistant Secretary Julie L. Myers
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
425 I Street, N.W., Room 7030
Washington, DC 20536-0001

Dear Assistant Secretary Myers:

The apprehension and detention of illegal immigrants in the State of Missouri is of great concern to my constituents, Governor Matt Blunt, and myself.  With the nation facing an influx of illegal aliens, the State of Missouri is willing to do its part to assist the federal government with the enforcement of immigration laws.

Recently, Governor Blunt requested Missouri state law enforcement personnel receive expedited approval under Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  This would allow Missouri to offer its services to help enforce federal immigration laws.  I am requesting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proceed with all deliberate speed and approve Missouri's application.  Missouri state law enforcement officials are extremely dedicated and professional.  Their participation would undoubtedly benefit the ICE mission of eliminating vulnerabilities in the nation's border with economic, transportation and infrastructure security.  The Section 287g application is one of many steps Missouri has taken to address the problem of illegal immigration, and I request rapid approval for Missouri's application to assist ICE.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Kind regards,     

JO ANN EMERSON
Member of Congress