Boozman Backs "Catch and Return"

Boozman Backs "Catch & Return"
Votes to increase smuggler prosecutions

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) voted to end the so-called "Catch & Release" program and reaffirm the power of local law enforcement in helping bolster homeland security, voting today for H.R. 6095, the Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006.

The legislation reaffirms the inherent authority at state and local law enforcement to voluntarily assist in illegal immigration cases, and increase the number of prosecutors to handle smuggling cases.

"Many state and local law enforcement officers want to assist in the enforcement of immigration laws, and they can play a valuable role in assisting federal immigration officers," Boozman said. "Ten years ago, local law enforcement was granted the power, with proper training and pursuant to a memorandum of agreement, to perform immigration law enforcement duties.

"Today, we have reaffirmed the valuable role local law enforcement can play in securing our Homeland," Boozman added.

H.R. 6095 also replaces the "Catch & Release" program dealing with illegal immigrants who are designated "Other Than Mexican" (OTM) with a policy of "Catch & Return."

"‘Catch & Release,' is virtually eliminated, thanks to the efforts of Secretary Chertoff, our Customs and Border Protections officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents," Boozman said. "Today we closed the loophole in law that has hamstrung the Department of Homeland Security in enforcing immigration laws."

http://boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=50515