Napolitano: DHS' Policies Have Worked

BY Scarlette Whyte

Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano faced tough questioning on issues ranging from ICE operations to the controversial Alabama immigration law during an appearance Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee.

Although there was the typical partisan banter between Republican committee members and Napolitano, they all agreed that keeping America safe was everyone’s priority. With some members sounding skeptical about the Obama Administration’s handle on illegal immigration, Napolitano said they have been successful in their efforts.

“Here are the facts. In fiscal year 2011, ICE removed or returned nearly 397,000 individuals. The largest number in the agency’s history. 90 percent of the these removals within our priority categories. 55 percent or 216,000 of those removed were convicted criminal aliens”, she said.

House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said that undocumented workers were taking jobs away from American workers. Napolitano reiterated that the Department’s priority is to remove illegals committing violent crimes such as rape and murder.

When asked about the new controversial Alabama immigration law, Napolitano made it clear that DHS was not working with Alabama to implements the law. She said they were working with the Department of Justice to challenge that law. The new law would allow Alabama law enforcement officials to inquire about the immigration status of those they arrest.

Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) specifically asked whether the Prison Rape Elimination Act has been applied to ICE facilities. “Yes, we have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment or misconduct by detention officer,” Napolitano said.