Hodgson Sounds Alarm Over Immigration Policies [OPINION]

An internal memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement contains an order to release “all cases” of detainees in ICE custody. The memo, according to Breitbart, says the detainees are now to be considered “no significant likelihood of removal in foreseeable future” and suggests they will need to be released.

The memo follows a 100-day freeze on all deportations as ordered last week by President Joe Biden. Biden reportedly told Mexico's president that he plans to reverse many of former President Donald Trump's "draconian" border policies. He has also ordered a halt to the construction of the wall on the southern border with Mexico and is preparing to offer amnesty to some 11 million illegals already in the country.

Dangerous times are lurking.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson tells me he is alarmed by what is happening. Hodgson has spent much of the last 20 years since September 11, 2001, on the issue of illegal immigration and the threat to America's security. He tells me Biden's policies serve as an open invitation to potential terrorists worldwide to join caravans of migrants heading for our southern border.

Hodgson says attempts to weaken ICE by preventing it from detaining criminal illegals pose a risk to the nation's security and our people. He says it's part of a radical political agenda.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, a Democrat, has spent time in Mexico advising migrants of their rights once they enter the United States, legally or otherwise. Many migrants make their way to Massachusetts, where they enjoy sanctuary and a bevy of benefits.

All of this is a tremendous financial burden on cash-strapped communities like New Bedford and the people who pay the bills. Illegal immigration and mass migration strain a tight jobs market, put pressure on an even tighter housing market, and drive up the cost of operating an already underfunded education system.

Hodgson's concerns about changes in the nation's immigration policies are well-founded. Americans are generous in welcoming immigrants. It is who we are. But it must be handled in a controlled and sensible manner.

Without order there is chaos. Biden's policies are clearly creating a great deal of chaos and must be reconsidered.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app