Leaders Say Department of Homeland Security is Undercutting the President

Washington, DC – Alarmed by reports that immigration authorities have detained immigrant evacuees in West Virginia and Texas, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) have called on Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to suspend deportation proceedings against immigrants who approach the government for help in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“Our organizations have been working in good faith with the President and his Administration to make sure that all of those harmed by this terrible storm receive the help they need. DHS’ actions are undercutting the President’s efforts and the relief effort overall,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

“We are deeply concerned that while the White House is urging people to come forward, the Department of Homeland Security has refused to refrain from detaining them. This could exacerbate the already overwhelming public health and safety crises generated by Katrina,” she continued. In a letter sent to Secretary Chertoff, the leaders note that DHS’ actions are a “radical departure” from previous policies of the Bush Administration and its predecessors which have consistently suspended enforcement activities during relief efforts such those following last year’s string of hurricanes in Florida and the 9/11 tragedy.

“Along with our sister organizations, NCLR is urging Secretary Chertoff to both suspend enforcement actions and publicly alert hurricane victims that they have nothing to fear by coming forward. This is in the best interest of the relief effort and in the best interest of the country,” concluded Murguia.