Thread: PA Rep. Dent Targets Accused Criminals in U.S. Illegally

Charlie Dent targets accused criminals in U.S. illegally

by Jessica Coomes Thursday March 19, 2009, 9:29 PM

Just weeks after an undocumented immigrant living in Easton made headlines for being charged with his sixth drunken driving offense, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent revived his efforts to crack down on such criminals.

The congressman wants localities to refuse bail to illegal immigrants who are accused of felonies, so deportation proceedings can begin.

The Easton man at the center of the most recent debate, Guadalupe Nieto Vazquez, reportedly skipped a recent bail hearing. In addition to the most recent charge, he has been convicted on five DUI-related offenses.

Dent, R-Lehigh Valley said that case "brings home the issue that we have so many people in this country illegally, some of whom are committing crimes."

Dent proposed the same bill in the last session of Congress, but the idea fell flat among lawmakers.

This year, Dent said he suspects his bill will face the same challenges with Democrats in charge on Capitol Hill. Still, three Democrats signed as co-sponsors of Dent's legislation.

Dent wrote the bill originally in response to the 2007 murders of three people in Newark. An undocumented immigrant, who was out on bond at the time of the crime, was arrested in the case.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/jessica ... sed_c.html

News from Congressman Charlie Dent
Pennsylvania 15th District

March 19, 2009
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Gregg W. Bortz at 610-861-9734 or 202-222-5118

Rep. Dent seeks to end “sanctuary cityâ€

[quote]“If an illegal alien commits a felony under state law, he is deportable,â€