Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Chertoff outlines U.S. immigration strategy

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff announced a new immigration enforcement strategy for the nation's interior today. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff announced a new immigration enforcement strategy for the nation's interior today. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

The plan has three broad goals. First, remove immigrants convicted of crimes. Second, crackdown on employers who hire illegal immigrants. And third, uproot smuggling organizations and fraudulent document rings.

Advertisement

The plan also calls for authorizing local authorities to enforce federal immigration laws.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Lauren Mack says
the purpose is to deport illegal immigrants after they serve criminal sentences.

Mack: "Not individuals outside that have not been criminally arrested. But that's not to say that wouldn't happen."

Allowing local agencies to enforce federal immigration laws is controversial.

San Diego County law enforcement agencies are not interested for fear of alienating immigrant communities. Amy Isackson, KPBS news.