In what seems
a surefire winning strategy for republicans in '06 bush's DHS has begun rounding up and arresting immigrants and officers at the companies that employ them.
US authorities have arrested almost 1,200 people in what they say is the largest raid of its kind on migrants working illegally in the country.
The alleged illegal immigrants worked for the same crate company and were held in nine different states.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the raid was a warning to workers and employers "who tolerate or perpetuate a shadow economy".
While this might seem, at first glance, a great way for republicans to paint their party as mean spirited bastards, they have gone to great lengths to dispel that notion.
"Employers and workers alike should be on notice that the status quo has changed," Mr Chertoff said.
...
He added that those who entered the US illegally could not be allowed to think they were safe once they were inside the country.
That's right. Don't get comfy. And you better sure as shit not feel safe.
It seems clear [to me, anyway] that this kind of single minded use of Homeland Security resources could be better spent securing ports and borders, and sensible security measures of that sort.
It is unclear to me if this will even help them much with their base.
[disclaimer: i didnt see this diaried elsewhere, but i'm not the most experienced diarist. if i'm stepping on any toes, i'll delete.]