Is ICE Hurting Criminal Prosecutions?

The Texas Tribune appears to be sounding the alarm about possible interference from President Trump’s mass deportation efforts with prosecutions of other criminals. Some of the illegal aliens being deported may be needed as witnesses.

The Tribune article cited a number of left-wing prosecutors—including Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare—and even immigration lawyers, who all insisted that the testimony of illegal aliens is often key in prosecutions of various cases.

Many border hawks, including Chris Russo with Texans for Secure Borders, argued that their concerns aren’t sincere. “These are people that have no real interest in being tough on crime or addressing illegal immigration in their jurisdictions,” he said.

He went on to point out that in situations where their concerns might be sincere, there is already a system in place to address them. The U-Visa program allows illegal aliens who may be key to criminal legal proceedings to temporarily remain in the country until their services are no longer required by the courts.

Russo said: “To the extent that these prosecutors are seeking that, that’s the solution—not ramping down immigration enforcement. If anything, it should be the other way.” He also added that any illegal alien who receives a U-Visa should still remain in ICE custody until the courts are done with them.

He also says that in places where ICE enforcement has ramped up, we consistently see crime fall.