Sheriff issues a call to action
Butler County official writes Obama to urge him to take a stand against illegal immigration.
By Lauren Pack

Staff Writer

Saturday, November 22, 2008

HAMILTON — Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, a Republican who cast his vote for GOP candidate John McCain, wrote a letter of congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama along with a call for him to take a stand to fight illegal immigration.

"The past eight years have seen an increase in drugs coming from Mexico to the United States. The violence on the Mexico/United States border has increased to the point of United States citizens being kidnapped, taken into Mexico and held for ransom," Jones stated in the letter dated Thursday, Nov. 20.

Jones has been vocal in his get-tough stance with the federal government on illegal immigration. He said he had no choice because the federal government continued to do nothing.

"The drugs coming from Mexico to the United States is out of control and it appears we have no policy to control any of these serious problems," Jones said in the letter.

He added, "hopefully members of Congress, Senate and Representatives can come up with a policy that will save this country from the mire before conditions get worse."

A copy of the letter also was sent to U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, majority leader, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaker of the house.

The sheriff ended with a plea for Obama not to overlook law enforcement when planning policy changes.

"We all know that it will take compromises from all sides. When planning policy for these issues, please consider the needs of the front line law enforcement agencies, jails and prison systems," the sheriff wrote.

Jones said he is willing to be among those who meet with national leaders to find an agreeable compromise to resolve the immigration issue.

"This is not about partisan politics," he said. "Something has to be done. We can't just keep mucking through it."

Hamilton Hispanic leaders could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

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