WASHINGTON, D.C. February 4, 2009 – Today Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) issued the following statement in response to the recent crackdown on illegal immigrants in Riverside, California by the Riverside Police Department and the U.S. Border Patrol.

"Illegal immigration hurts Americans and legal residents who are out of work in a down economy and it negatively impacts businesses where they loiter. I commend both the Riverside Police Department and the Border Patrol for proactively addressing the issue and deporting individuals who entered the U.S. illegally.

"Illegal immigration must be combated on several fronts and the recent apprehensions made by Riverside Police Department and Border Patrol demonstrate that the federal and local governments have important roles to play. I support the right of local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws and have consistently supported the 287(g) program run by the Department of Homeland Security to train local law officers to screen for legal status.

"Illegal immigration remains primarily the responsibility of the federal government and I will continue to support a three-prong approach: a reinforced physical fence along the border, robust interior enforcement and mandatory employment verification. As the original author of E-Verify, I continue to push for mandatory implementation while also working to ensure the voluntary program is reauthorized and available to employers who choose to verify the work status of new employees. If we cut off the job magnet, we will end the incentive for people to come to the U.S. illegally.

"Again, I support both the Riverside Police Department and Border Patrol and hope they continue to enforce the rule of law in Riverside, California."

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