The 2013 budget cuts have prompted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release more than 2,000 detainees and processed for appropriate state sanctions. However, this move raised concerns over national security and integrity with more than 600 of the released as convicted with level 1 and 2 cases.
These so called high risk level detainees are those tagged in murder, fraud, and other similar grave crimes which directly present internal stability. These individuals are by law required to have a "statutory detainment status," meaning that they are in no way to be allowed to be released without due criminal process by authorities.
A report of the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the said release by the ICE was bugged by crtitics as being political in nature. The ICE was quick to address the incident as the result of lack of national budgetary allocations, prompting the reduction of the number of detainees.
A probe was punctually requested by Representatives McCain and Coburn of Arizona and Oklahoma states, respectively. The probe was tasked to identify the agenda behind the release of these "dangerous" people which technically undermined its own credibility and function.
To stand in defense for the controversial move, the ICE was quick to act appropriately by having to take back 24 of the 34 level 1 detainees released initially, as well as 30 of the 80 level 2 detainees.
Previously as mandated by policy, the ICE is tasked to have a daily average detainee count of 34,000. Realistic figures peg the organization at more than 35,000. Due to budget constraints from the approved budget from the Congress, the allocation has prompted the lowering of the maximum number of detainees.
This incident adds up to the increasing tension regarding the Obama administration in its drive for national security and strengthening of international borders.
