Sheriff Sends Bill to Mexico

(Pendleton, Oregon) In a nutshell, this story illustrates many of the larger problems associated with having the U.S. overrun with illegal aliens. I congratulate Sheriff Trumbo for his bold action.

From SeattleTimes.com:

"Dear Precidente [sic] Fox," it began.

"My name is John Trumbo. I am Sheriff of Umatilla County in northeastern Oregon, United States of America." Illegal immigrants "from your country" who committed crimes here, the letter said, cost Americans lots of money.

Last year, more than 360 of "your citizens" spent time in jail "at a cost of $63 a day which equates to a request for payment of $318,843," the letter concluded. "At this time, you will not be billed for medical, dental and transportation costs. Your prompt attention to this request will be very much appreciated."

Three months later, Trumbo reports, Vicente Fox still has not paid up. The Mexican president has issued no response, no installment payment, nada.

Well, if President Fox is going to be a scofflaw, about the only recourse Sheriff Trumbo has is to contact a collection agency. In fact, the idea of a credit commando chasing Fox around Mexico has entertainment value if nothing else.

Kidding aside, Sheriff Trumbo's situation is hardly unique. It represents a snapshot that is replicated in thousands of counties across the U.S.