WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department's internal watchdog is unable to verify federal money for an immigration enforcement program was spent as Congress intended, according to a report issued Friday.
The department's inspector general said Congress gave Immigration and Customs Enforcement $11.1 million in 2009 and 2010 for compliance reviews for a program known as 287(g), which allows local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.
But the inspector general's office said when it tried to confirm expenditures it was unable to get all documents to back up spending.
"We made numerous requests for specific program funding data, and received varying explanations from program officials regarding the absence of data related to staffing, payroll, and other expenses charged against 287(g) program funds," said the report signed by Carlton Mann, assistant inspector general for inspections.
The inspector general's office said Immigration and Custom Enforcement reported spending $455,649 for "travel and transportation of things" The spending was for federal officials to review local agency compliance with the program's policies and rules.
That added up to $6,329 per person for travel by 72 people who did 15 reviews of agencies not within driving distance of Washington, D.C., the inspector general's office said.
Report: Financial accountability lacking in immigration program
The department's inspector general said Congress gave Immigration and Customs Enforcement $11.1 million in 2009 and 2010 for compliance reviews for a program known as 287(g), which allows local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.
But the inspector general's office said when it tried to confirm expenditures it was unable to get all documents to back up spending.
"We made numerous requests for specific program funding data, and received varying explanations from program officials regarding the absence of data related to staffing, payroll, and other expenses charged against 287(g) program funds," said the report signed by Carlton Mann, assistant inspector general for inspections.
The inspector general's office said Immigration and Custom Enforcement reported spending $455,649 for "travel and transportation of things" The spending was for federal officials to review local agency compliance with the program's policies and rules.
That added up to $6,329 per person for travel by 72 people who did 15 reviews of agencies not within driving distance of Washington, D.C., the inspector general's office said.
Report: Financial accountability lacking in immigration program
