Bill Adds New Prosecutors to Focus on Alien Smugglers

Press Release

Congressman Darrell Issa, a member of the House Judiciary Committee today, hailed the inclusion of language adding new prosecutors to focus on alien smugglers in H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 that funds the Justice Department.

Report language in H.R. 3093 directs an additional, "$7,400,000 and 72 additional positions to address the growing number of illegal immigration cases, particularly involving human traffickers."

Issa, who since 2004, has led the charge to bring attention and needed resources to the failure of the Department of Justice to prosecute even repeat offenders and those who work in connection with organized criminal syndicates hailed the additional resources. Issa, earlier this year, wrote to leaders on the House Appropriations Committee to request that funds be specifically allocated for targeting human traffickers.

"Targeting those who, as a profession, undermine our border security and immigration laws is a logical place for Federal prosecutors to concentrate their efforts to deter illegal border crossings," said Issa. "Unlike many crimes, border crimes and alien smuggling are uniquely under Federal jurisdiction. State and local prosecutors don't have the authority to try these cases. U.S. Attorneys do their job or the smugglers go free."

In 2005, Congressman Issa obtained an annual authorization of $5 million to specifically target prosecution of coyotes through 2009.

"The dangers alien smugglers pose to border communities, our national security, and even the safety of the illegal aliens smuggled into our country has been recognized. I am pleased that Congress is increasingly paying attention to this problem and I remain committed to ensuring that the Department of Justice makes the prosecution of these crimes a priority."

The House begins consideration of H.R. 3093 today.

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