600,000 illegal immigrants await deportation: Mitchell


By Lisa Marchesoni - Oct. 8, 2007 -9 AM

http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=6801


Almost 600,000 illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes in the U.S. await deportation, the state’s Homeland Security director said this week.

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents apprehended more than 61,000 illegal fugitives with the goal to eliminate the huge backlog, said state Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell who also directs Homeland Security.

Mitchell addressed the hot button issue of immigration during a speech Tuesday to the Evening Exchange Club. He was educated in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. He worked as a Murfreesboro Police officer before a career with the FBI. He served on the first Anti Terrorist Task Force in New York City.

“I think this is the biggest political issue to face the nation in my lifetime,â€