Butler County Sheriff: Close the borders

By Lauren Pack

Monday, February 19, 2007

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones spent the last week of January in the nation's capital, doing what he loves to do and does best — stir the pot.

Jones spent five days in Washington, D.C., participating in the National Sheriff's Association committee meetings as a member of committees addressing drugs, court security and immigration — a subject near and dear to Jones' law enforcement agenda.

The sheriff is an outspoken advocate for immigration policy reform, a hot-button issue in the nation, and Jones said people helping frame a new immigration reform law got an ear full from the 12 sheriffs serving on the committee.

"There was no yelling, but there was some anger," Jones said.

Among the suggestions made by the sheriffs was closing all immigration for a period of time until illegal immigration enforcement can be addressed.

"Close the borders for legal immigration, until we can get a handle on illegal immigration," Jones said. "Not forever. But maybe a moratorium for 12 months until we get the illegals under control."

Jones said the committee also stressed the need for more training of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

"We've got to have it," Jones said.

The sheriff said he expects a new bill to be proposed soon from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the team that offered a proposal in 2006 that included a guest worker program leading to legal status, as well as a program offering illegal immigrants a route to citizenship.

"I think there will be amnesty in the new bill. It may have a different name, but it will be amnesty. You know American people aren't stupid — they know what amnesty is, no matter what name you give it."

Jones said illegal immigration is taking jobs away from Americans, filling up jail cells and adding to the drug problem in this country.

"It has to be addressed," he said, noting Washington, D.C., is a goods place to get your voice heard. "That's where the power is. I really enjoyed being there," Jones said. "Yes, I did a little bit of stirring it up."

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