In response to Jeff Tjas (Readers' Forum, Feb. 26), I understand the frustration that many feel, but to say that illegals are creating a crime wave and state the opinion that "Mexico has opened its jails and dumped thousands of criminals on us" is not only inaccurate but irresponsible.
Yes, there is a growing number of illegals in jails and prisons across the United States. And this does represent a financial burden on the criminal justice system, but why do we see this trend? It is more likely because larger numbers of illegals are entering this country, not because a higher percentage are committing more crime.
If you want to be ultra hard on immigration to the extent of deporting all illegals, remember it will cost more taxpayer money than the $1.6 billion Mr. Tjas mentioned, and such an approach would be completely unfeasible.
Jonathan H. Westover
Tooele