WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, expressed his deep concern with a report published today by the Houston Chronicle, which found dozens of cases where illegal immigrants in Harris County were arrested on violent criminal charges, but released because Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials failed to file the appropriate paperwork to detain them. In a number of cases, these individuals ultimately failed to appear at their scheduled court date and then committed additional crimes.

“These reports, if accurate, are completely unacceptable and must be addressed,” Sen. Cornyn said today. “If there is a lack of resources, then Congress needs to immediately approve additional funding to put more boots on the ground. But if it’s a failure to do their job properly, then federal officials must be held accountable. I simply cannot understand how individuals arrested for violent crimes, and who admit to being in this country illegally, would even be given the option to post bail. These are criminals who have already made clear through their own actions that they have zero respect for the laws of this country. This is an intolerable situation, and I will be seeking an immediate briefing from the Department of Homeland Security in the days ahead.”

“This report, along with countless other reports on America’s broken immigration system, highlights why comprehensive immigration reform must be a top priority for Congress in the coming year. Action to correct our broken immigration system is long overdue, and this investigation is only the latest example of why we need comprehensive immigration reform today instead of tomorrow. It also highlights the need for an amendment that I introduced to the 2007 immigration bill, which would have prevented dangerous criminal aliens, repeat offenders, absconders, and felons from pursuing a path to legalization. [read more]