Rep. Gutierrez's Comparison of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Gestapo is Slap in the Face to Rule of Law, Charges FAIR

WASHINGTON , Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adopting the rhetoric of the radical left, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) explicitly compared the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to those of Nazi Germany's most infamous secret police force, the Gestapo. In response to that despicable comparison, the Federation for American Immigration Reform is joining officials of the Department of Homeland Security in condemning Mr. Gutierrez's statement as an affront to law enforcement agencies and the rule of law.

Congressman Gutierrez has been a long-time proponent of amnesty and opponent of immigration enforcement. He even went so far recently as to openly call for a suspension of all such immigration enforcement actions until Congress passes "comprehensive" immigration reform. However, in an article appearing in the online publication The Politico on Aug. 6 , Gutierrez lowered himself to using inflammatory rhetoric simply unacceptable for a member of Congress. "You know who is in charge now? The Gestapo agents at Homeland Security. They are in charge," Gutierrez told The Politico.

"Every American should be offended and outraged by comparisons between our dedicated public servants risking their lives every day to enforce our immigration laws and the Nazi secret police, no matter who is making the comparison. That such a vile statement was made by a member of Congress is truly reprehensible and irresponsible," said Dan Stein , president of FAIR.

In recent months ICE has increased its efforts to enforce laws against the employment of illegal aliens. In addition to arresting people for violations of U.S. immigration law, ICE has also taken action against people involved in identity theft and the employment of underage workers.

"ICE actions have been entirely legitimate and carried out in a professional manner in an effort to deal with a national illegal immigration crisis," said Stein. "Such a reckless comparison to the Gestapo borders. In making such comparisons, Congressman Gutierrez is providing license for people to resist by any means necessary.

"FAIR joins with DHS Assistant Secretary Julie Myers in demanding that the House leadership take action against Representative Gutierrez. His statement deserves the strongest possible condemnation from his colleagues," Stein concluded.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform