State needs immigration agents, report says

The Clarion-Ledger, 8/28/7

State Auditor Phil Bryant recommends Mississippi create a “comprehensive public safety plan for crime related to illegal immigrants” in a new report that encourages the state to request more federal immigration agents.

But Bryant, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, noted that few statistics exist that document crime involving illegal immigrants in the state. He has made immigration issues a campaign priority. And while political watchers said his report provided a legitimate campaign opportunity, immigration-rights advocates blasted it as a racist way to pander for votes.