Tancredo seeks to make immigration a major issue in presidential race

June 12, 2005

Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo is so dissatisfied with the pace and direction of immigration reform, he may run for president.

During a visit to New Hampshire, the state with the earliest presidential primary, Tancredo said "If no one is willing to pick up the banner... yeah, I'll run, though I say that with a great deal of trepidation. It seems like a daunting task. But we need to get a president in there who will support this," he said. "I don't know what else to do."

Recently, New Hampshire has been the focus of heated debate on immigration, after several police chiefs began using criminal trespassing laws to press charges against illegal aliens found in their communities. It was necessary, they said, to uphold national security

Their tactic has drawn praise and criticism from around the country. Tancredo visited New Hampshire in February, to give an award to New Ipswich police Chief Garrett Chamberlain. He called the chief a national hero for charging illegal immigrants with trespassing.

Tancredo said he intends to visit New Hampshire, and Iowa, in order to get a leader in the White House who “understands the threat illegal immigrants pose to the country's security.” Federal prisons, he said, overflow with illegal immigrants, some of whom aim to harm people.

"They need to be found before it is too late. They're coming here to kill you, and you, and me, and my grandchildren," he said, pointing at people in the audience. "It's just despicable."