President Barack Obama Preceded by John Torres (Acting) | Name John Morton Appointed by Barack Obama | |
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Alma mater University of Virginia (B.A.), University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.) Role Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since 2009 Education University of Virginia, University of Virginia School of Law Similar People Barack Obama, Janet Napolitano, Alejandro Mayorkas, Lanny A Breuer, Rand Beers | ||
Congressman randy forbes questions ice director john t morton
John T. Morton (born 1966) was the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from 2009-2013. Morton was appointed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on May 12, 2009.
Contents
- Congressman randy forbes questions ice director john t morton
- Background
- Philosophy
- Mortons ICE
- Political response
- References
Background
Morton served in the Peace Corps before obtaining a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School and becoming a prosecutor.
Philosophy
In an interview conducted shortly after his appointment, Morton emphasized a need for moderation:
And you're putting people in jail, and that's good work but it's also awesome work. I mean your actions lead to somebody going to jail. So I think, you know, the way to look at Government service is as a great honor and privilege. [...] As a Government employee, balanced perspective is critical, trying to reach the common good is critical. You're not an extreme advocate. Your job is to try to get it right, and that's a very rewarding and satisfying position to be in.
Morton's ICE
One of Morton's first acts in office was an expansion of I-9 audits. These were applied to over 650 businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers.
Morton has also expressed dissatisfaction at ICE's reliance on state and local prisons to house detainees, stating: "Immigration detention is a civil function, it is not a penal function. Over the years, however, the system has largely become dependent on excess jail space." Under his leadership, ICE has constructed a new detention center in Karnes County, TX. Morton calls the new detention facility "sensible, sustainable and attentive to the unique needs of the individuals in our custody”.
Political response
Because he works on controversial issues, Morton complains of criticism from the right and the left. "I can get criticized on the same issue from both sides on the same day," he said in 2010.