Gov. Matt Blunt’s staff has started off the final week of this year’s legislative session by reciting his record on illegal immigration.

Their aim appears to be to underscore his support for an anti-illegal immigration bill still before the Legislature.

Our crack Jefferson City team gave the lowdown this morning in a story outlining what issues are up, what are down, as legislators head into the final week.

Here’s Blunt’s release:

“The tough directive issued last August by Gov. Matt Blunt to fight illegal immigration is getting positive results in Missouri with 250 illegal immigrants detained in less than nine months.

  “Illegal immigrants should be put on notice that our state will not become a harbor for their illegal activity,” Gov. Blunt said. “Our state will continue to support and welcome lawful immigration, but we will not wait for Washington to address the issue of illegal immigration.  I want to commend the Missouri State Highway Patrol and law enforcement at all levels for taking action in response to my directives to fight illegal immigration in our state.”  

“Last summer Gov. Blunt directed all state law enforcement agencies to verify the immigration status of anyone presented for incarceration. The governor’s directive has now resulted in the detention of 250 illegal immigrants.

“Gov. Blunt is taking aggressive steps to curb illegal immigration in Missouri. The governor is working with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) authority under Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act to help enforce immigration laws. 

“Gov. Blunt has called for legislation to strengthen Missouri’s laws to prevent illegals from obtaining driver licenses and tough new penalties for anyone who tries to help them obtain one.

“The governor also proposed legislation that prohibits the creation of sanctuary cities in the state, requires verification of legal employment status of every public employee, cancellation of state contracts for contractors if they hire illegal immigrants, and legislation criminalizing the transportation of illegal immigrants for purposes of human trafficking, drug trafficking, prostitution or illegal labor. Gov. Blunt is seeking to enact some of the nation’s toughest laws to fight illegal immigration.”