Speech #1100106741

Mr. President. I have just returned from North Carolina where this morning I attended a presentation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the North Carolina Sheriffs Association. I heard today. as I have many times before. that ICE resources for enforcing our immigration laws are woefully underfunded. They tell me they are stretched much too thin. and they are asking for our help. As seen firsthand in parts of North Carolina. the programs carried out by ICE work. particularly where there are partnerships with local law enforcement. In North Carolina today we were announcing an exciting partnership between our 100 county sheriffs and ICE where tools will be made available to local law enforcement so they can help identify. apprehend. and remove illegal aliens who have selfidentified themselves by committing crimes. But these programs that are so critical to enforcing our laws must have funding. This is the Senates opportunity to act to make certain that these valuable programs are funded and our law enforcement professionals have the tools they need. My amendment would target $75 million in funds appropriated by the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program to benefit local law enforcement agencies as they assist ICE in enforcing Federal immigration laws. When it comes to tackling this complex issue of immigration. an important first step must be addressing the criminal element and ensuring that people can feel safe in their homes and communities. We have all heard about families shattered when an illegal alien driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaged in gangrelated activity kills a lawabiding citizen. Many tragedies can be prevented if we give our local law enforcement officials the tools and resources to identify and process illegal criminal aliens. Providing greater funding for ICE programs will demonstrate our commitment to helping local law enforcement officials secure the resources they need. and it is the right thing to do for all our communities.