Enforcement of immigration law is not a choice

Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s recent op-ed “Immigration detention is no ‘holiday’” doesn’t just distort the facts – it distorts my stance on human decency. She accuses me of wanting illegal immigrants “to suffer and remain vulnerable to sexual assault and death.” That is a blatant lie.

Unfortunately, those who support open borders often resort to name-calling and exaggerations, rather than sticking to the substance of the debate. Those who support the rule of law are not fanatics or lacking in compassion. We simply believe that the enforcement of our nation’s laws is not a choice, it’s a responsibility that the federal government too often shirks when it comes to illegal immigration. 

The United States prides itself on treating people with the utmost respect and dignity. My concerns have never been with provisions that protect illegal immigrants from sexual abuse or assault. The clear distinction I made – and Rep. Lofgren distorted – is that I have concerns with provisions in the new detention standards that go too far in accommodating illegal and criminal immigrants at the taxpayer expense.

The new detention standards provide illegal and criminal immigrants cable TV, a library with free Internet access, board games, an indoor gym with basketball courts, soccer fields, and sand and nets for beach volleyball, among other recreational options. The new standards also mandate payment of transportation costs for elective abortions, transgender hormones, and even training in “parental skills” for those who are here in violation of the law.

It’s no surprise that Rep. Lofgren and I disagree on immigration policy and enforcement. But as Members of Congress, we must learn to disagree on policy without resorting to personal attacks.  

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) is Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

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