Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration to obtain information about the release of foreign nationals convicted of violent crimes who were allegedly released into U.S. communities instead of being deported. The lawsuit follows a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by Moody's office in March, seeking records on this issue, which has so far gone unanswered.
"In addition to flat out refusing to secure the border, reports indicate that President Biden and failed Border Czar Kamala Harris refuse to deport dangerous illegal immigrant prisoners once they are released from prison," said Moody through a statement on her website. She then added:
"Reports last week show possible foreign gang affiliated illegal aliens overtaking apartment complexes in American cities. This administration has made it clear they will not turn over documents showing this dangerous and unlawful scheme in a timely manner. Now, American cities are suffering in a very public way. I will not stand idly by and allow this dereliction of duty, that is why I filed suit today."
She went on to specify that her "apartment complexes" comment referred to an incident in Aurora, Colorado that went viral: "recently, Americans watched in horror as they witnessed the consequences of this Biden-Harris policy, as well as other open borders policies, when armed gang members took over an apartment complex in Colorado and used it as a base for criminal activity." The incident has since been debunked by Aurora authorities.
Moody went on to contend that under previous administrations, foreign nationals brought to the U.S. to serve prison sentences were typically deported after completing their sentences. However, she claims that the Biden administration has altered this policy, resulting in the release of potentially dangerous individuals into American communities. Moody describes this change as part of a broader "irresponsible" immigration policy that is contributing to public safety concerns.
The complaint also highlights discrepancies in how different federal agencies handle illegal border crossers. While those apprehended at sea are often repatriated, many who cross the land borders are released into the U.S. with a notice to appear before an immigration judge at a later date. Critics of the administration's policies argue that more stringent enforcement at land borders, similar to that conducted at sea, could prevent the release of criminal aliens into the U.S.
Lastly, the complaint states the administration is "unlawfully withholding records" and by doing so, harming Florida by "continuously denying Florida access to documents that it has a legal right to." It also states the harm is irreparable until ICE is compelled to follow the law. The lawsuit asks the court to order the defendants to respond to Florida's request and cover attorney fees.
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