Video: Congressman Trey Gowdy Presses DHS on Release of Aggravated Felons to Cut Costs

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is holding a full committee hearing today that is being livestreamed on CSPAN3.

According to Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy, (R-SC): “ICE contends it only detains the ‘worst of the worst;’ therefore it necessarily follows ICE just released thousands of the ‘worst of the worst’ onto our streets. It strains credibility to understand why then the first cost-saving measure ICE pursued was to release detainees from custody.”

Gowdy questioned DHS Under Secretary, Management, Rafael Borras on the 10 level 1, aggravated felons released by ICE. Where might they have cut a measly $1,200 a day instead of releasing dangerous criminals into the public? Conferences? Travel? Promotional material?

“But you agree with me that the decision to release level 1, aggravated felons was not the only option that you had, there were other places that you could have cut costs?” Gowdy asked at one point.

“There was nothing else you could do as a cost saving measure.” Is that your testimony?” He pressed.

Borras answered in the negative: “no, it’s not my testimony.”

Gowdy also pressed ICE Director Morton on the release of criminal detainees.

“It does look like the decision to release the detainees was a political determination and not a monetary determination,” Gowdy said. “It appears to me that the release of the detainees was part of a sequester campaign that included the fictional firing of teachers, the closing of the White House for student tours, the displacement of meat inspectors and now we are going to release aggravated felons—some aggravated felons onto the street.”