Congressman José E. Serrano

Representing the Sixteenth District of New York

PRESS RELEASE

 

Washington, DC – April 21, 2006 – Congressman José E. Serrano questioned the timing of the Department of Homeland Security raids targeting illegal immigrants and their employers. Serrano called the timing “clearly political” and wrote a letter to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff asking him to suspend the raids.  The text of the letter is below.

 

“When I learned of these raids, I was taken aback,” Serrano said. “They have not vigorously enforced this law in years, and suddenly, while the nation is in the midst of a heated immigration debate, they begin raids? That is suspect in my judgment. Moreover, I believe that the timing could have been calculated to intimidate immigrants and their supporters, just when they were finding their political voice. These raids must be suspended.”

 

“In a strange way, however, the raids send a message to some of the most influential people in Republican circles: business owners.  They know that both their businesses and our economy depend on immigrants and the labor they provide. They should pressure the Republican Party to ignore their nativist, xenophobic wing and pass an immigration reform bill that allows a reasonable and fair route to legalization for undocumented immigrants.”

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The following is the text of the letter to DHS Secretary Chertoff:

 

April 21, 2006

 

Secretary Michael Chertoff

Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C.  20528

 

Dear Mr. Secretary:

 

I am writing to express my concern about the timing of the recent raids your Department conducted at several workplaces throughout the country including in Albany, NY.

 

            As you are well aware, right now throughout the United States we are witnessing massive rallies by our immigrant communities and others in support of an expansion of immigrant rights.  The timing of these raids raises questions of intimidation.  The Senate, as early as this coming Monday, may resume its debate on comprehensive immigration reform.  The legislative process, which potentially will result in a path to legalization for our undocumented workers, should be allowed to move forward.

 

            As a senior Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I would appreciate your comments on why the Department is conducting these raids in the midst of immigration demonstrations and the Senate debate.  Certainly your Department has enforcement responsibility, but why was this particular time chosen to conduct the raids?  I am concerned that the timing of these raids is an attempt to unduly influence the debate that is going on in Congress.

 

            Furthermore, I am sure you are aware that this coming Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case in which one current and three former employees of Georgia-based Mohawk Industries Inc. have filed a class action lawsuit against the firm, alleging it knowingly hired hundreds of illegal immigrants to suppress legal workers' wages (No. 05–465.) Mohawk Industries, Inc. v. Shirley Williams, et al.

 

            Even though the Supreme Court will focus only on whether a company and its agents can be considered a racketeering enterprise under civil provisions of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, many legal experts agree that the decision will set precedents for how the country deals with immigration.

 

At this stage the right and moral thing to do is to suspend these raids immediately and let the United States Congress complete its work. 

 

            I look forward to your prompt reply.

 

Sincerely,

 

José E. Serrano

Member of Congress

 

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Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the Bronx in the House of Representatives since 1990.