Thread: Montana courts see shift in priorities

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Montana courts see shift in priorities

By PAULA WILMOT
Tribune Staff Writer

The nationwide crackdown on illegal aliens is showing up in Montana federal courts, too, but on a much smaller scale than in the nation's busiest immigration court in Houston.

Immigration violations are a serious problem, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer of Billings.

"Our courts are seeing a dramatic increase in case loads, reflecting the shift in prosecution priorities," he said.

The number of immigration charges filed in the first seven months of 2005 exceeds the number of convictions in all of 2004, he said. The majority of the charges involve re-entry to the United States after deportation for criminal activity, he added. The re-entry charge is a felony.

Often, immigration violations are dismissed in plea agreements involving offenses that carry stiffer penalties, such as drug trafficking or identity theft, Mercer said. Such deals adversely affect conviction rates, he added.

During fiscal year 2001 â€â€

The majority of the charges involve re-entry to the United States after deportation for criminal activity, he added. The re-entry charge is a felony

why aren't these "criminals" serving time instead of being deported? there is NOTHING that gives "illegal" foreign nationals immunity for criminal activity . . .

re-entry is a felony? why isn't "illegal entry" a felony violation of the "law of nations"