Homeland Security Shows No Interest In Laws of Land

John Morton, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has said he has no interest in upholding the nation's laws, nor will he have Federal agents take illegal immigrants from Arizona into custody, nor return them to Mexico. The comment was made during a meeting on Wednesday with the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune.

"I don't think the Arizona law, or laws like it, are the solution. The best way to reduce illegal immigration is through a comprehensive federal approach, he said, and not a patchwork of state laws."

That is really a good idea. Like the Federal Immigration laws. Enforce those laws?

To check suspects for immigration status, is not "good government," Morton said.

Thanks, Mort. Now, what would good government look like, in your view?

Bonehead.

In defense of Morton's brazen comments, DHS officials said President Obama has ordered the Department of Justice to examine the civil rights and other implications of the law, hinting that Arizona's attempt to secure her border will not be backed up by either the Federal laws or those entrusted with enforcing those laws. They have a whole different agenda at the White House, and it's time you people in Arizona get used to it.

Fox News legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano said ICE is not obligated to process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona authorities.

"ICE has the legal discretion to accept or not to accept persons delivered to it by non-federal personnel," Napolitano said. "It also has the discretion to deport or not to deport persons delivered to it by any government agents, even its own."

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL, said it appeared the Obama administration is nullifying existing law:

"If he feels he cannot enforce the law, he shouldn't have the job," Sessions told Fox News. "That makes him, in my view, not fulfilling the responsibilities of his office."

Sessions said the U.S. government has "systematically failed" to enforce federal immigration law and claimed Morton's statement is an indication that federal officials do not plan on working with Arizona authorities regarding its controversial law.

"They're telegraphing to every ICE agency in America that they really don't intend on cooperating with Arizona," Sessions said. "The federal government should step up and do it. It's their responsibility."

Damn straight.