ICE Director John Morton testified before the House Judiciary Committee on March 19, 2013. (CNSNews.com/Penny Starr)
(CNSNews.com) – The director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that among the 2,228 illegal aliens who were released from incarceration in recent weeks were many who have been convicted of drunk driving.
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) grilled John Morton at a hearing focused on the release of detained illegals, which Morton blamed on the federal spending cuts required by the Budget Control Act of 2011.
Gowdy asked: “Did you release any recidivist drunk drivers?” Gowdy said.
“Yes,” Morton said.
“How many?” Gowdy asked.
“I don’t have the exact number, but we have released many individuals who had DUI offenses,” Morton said.
“Repeat offender DUI,” Gowdy asked.
“Repeat offender DUIs,” Morton said, adding that most released were “single offenders” but some were repeat offenders.
Morton also said that Congress has not prescribed that most misdemeanors, including DUI, be removable offenses for those in the country illegally who are convicted of the crime.