A Republican legislator lambasted Gov. Tim Kaine on Tuesday for being lax on combating illegal immigration in the commonwealth. Del. Jack Reid, R-Henrico, who has earned a reputation for blunt comments, said the Democratic governor should stop blocking efforts to make state troopers more active in deporting illegal aliens who commit crimes. Kaine opposes allowing troopers to receive federal training in deportation processes though some localities have begun to require their officers to receive such instruction.
Reid also chided Kaine for complaining last week that the federal government is not doing its job. While agreeing the federal government is not doing enough, Reid said Kaine should be doing more.
“Virginia, because of a lack of executive leadership, is becoming a sanctuary state resulting in overcrowded schools, additional demands for English as a Second Language teachers, and stresses on hospital emergency rooms providing primary health care for more and more people,” Reid said a Capitol Square news conference.
Kaine spokesman Kevin Hall refuted Reid’s comments by citing several steps the governor has taken against illegal immigrants.
Illegal immigration has become a major topic in this year’s General Assembly campaigns and many bills dealing with the issue are expected to be filed when the legislature convenes in January.
“It is disappointing that Del. Reid did not bother to ask what we’re doing on a daily basis to fight illegal immigration,” Hall said. “His allegation disrespects our State Police officers who, since March 1 of this year, have worked cooperatively with federal immigration officials to deport 160 of the 207 illegal immigrants they encountered during the course of their routine law enforcement responsibilities. His comments also insult the more than 400 Virginia National Guard personnel that Kaine sent to guard our country’s border with Mexico last year.”
Reid also criticized his colleagues on a legislative task force studying illegal immigration for not supporting penalties for business owners employing aliens. Many task force members believe only the federal government has the constitutional authority to penalize such employers.
