Tancredo: don't blame government for post-immigration raid problems

March 13, 2007

MERRIMACK, N.H. --Possible presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo said Monday the government should not be blamed for separating parents from their children after an immigration raid at a Massachusetts factory.

More than 300 alleged illegal immigrants were rounded up a week ago at a New Bedford company that makes equipment and apparel for the U.S. military. About 60 were freed within hours because they were determined to be sole caregivers to their children, but members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and other state officials have raised concerns that not all the children of those detained had been identified or assured proper care.

Tancredo, who opposes legal status for illegal immigration and favors a sharp reduction in legal immigration, told college students that the government did the right thing.

"As if it were our fault that they came here illegally," he said at Thomas More College. "We are so into blaming America for everything."

"If it's a law, it's a law," Tancredo said. "There are consequences."

The Republican congressman from Colorado opened a campaign office in Manchester earlier in the day but has not officially announced he is running. He said he has raised roughly $820,000 and will formally enter the race if he makes it to $1 million soon. An announcement could come as soon as next month, he said.

http://www.boston.com/news/education...raid_problems/