Feds Vow To Get Tough On Illegal Immigration

I'll believe it when I see it, but this is what Drudge is reporting right now.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, acknowledging public frustration over illegal immigration, said Tuesday that the federal government's detention and deportation system must be fundamentally restructured.

"We have decided to stand back and take a look at how we address the problem and solve it once and for all," Chertoff said during a breakfast meeting with reporters.

The NEW YORK TIMES is planning a front page placement for the Chertoff comments on Wednesday, newsroom sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

The unusually blunt assessment by the nation's top immigration official comes after governors in New Mexico and Arizona recently declared a border-related "state of emergency," citing a surge in smuggling and violence associated with the steady flow of illegal immigrants.

Developing...

I don't believe they will crack down. This is all just talk. President Bush is an open border guy. He always has been and always will be. He's too scared that he might offend the Latino vote. This issue must be starting to cut through the DC beltway inertia though. Politicians of both parties have started to really talk tough about illegal immigration. I'll keep saying this until the cows come home. I believe it is the number one issue right now by far.