McCarthy’s Visit to Santa Ana
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy visited Santa Ana on Friday to discuss the pressing issue of “burglary tourism” with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and several local congressional representatives. McCarthy conveyed his intention to hold back funds for Homeland Security unless the department takes firm actions against the misuse of visas by Chilean individuals who commit burglaries in the U.S. and then escape after being caught.
McCarthy’s attention was drawn to the problem of “burglary tourism” when Spitzer, a former colleague during their time as state lawmakers in the state Assembly, reached out to him. Speaking at a news conference outside the district attorney’s offices, McCarthy emphasized the purpose of his presence, saying, “I’m here today because of a challenge we have here in America. I’m here because I used to work with an old friend in the state Assembly.”
Visa Waiver Program and Chile’s Participation
A significant part of the problem arises from an agreement between the United States and Chile, whereby individuals applying for a tourist passport are not required to undergo a criminal background check. Instead, they are simply asked if they have a criminal history, which often results in false information being provided, as noted by Representative Young Kim, R-Mission Viejo.
Chile is among the 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing their citizens to visit the US without the typical visa requirements. Representative Mike Levin voiced concerns that Chile may not be fulfilling its obligations under the program, particularly regarding the sharing of information about individuals seeking to enter the United States. Levin and Lou Correa disclosed that they had sent a letter to the Chilean ambassador and Secretary of State, urging them to take action.
McCarthy’s Concerns and Proposals
McCarthy highlighted the sophistication of these burglary rings, which employ uniforms, camouflage, and tools to disable home security systems. He further revealed that the stolen goods are often laundered through banks in China. McCarthy, representing Bakersfield, asserted that new laws are not necessary to address the issue. He maintained that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken already possess the authority to crack down on visa program abuse but have yet to take substantial action.
When asked directly about reported negotiations between Homeland Security and Chile regarding the visa abuse, McCarthy did not provide a direct response but questioned why Congress had not been briefed on the matter. While acknowledging that local congressional Democrats also support addressing the issue with Chile, McCarthy argued that even if the Biden administration officials were working on a plan, Chile’s participation in the program should still be suspended to exert pressure on the country to address the abuse.
Reactions and Future Proposals
Representative Ken Calvert, R-Corona, who is on the Appropriations Committee, promised to push Mayorkas to do something about visa abuse. District Attorney Spitzer was upset when he said that “100%” of burglars who are caught and charged don’t show up in court after being released without bail because he can’t find out about their criminal histories.
“They are released without bail, and guess what? “Of the Chileans we’ve charged, 100% of them don’t show up for their court dates,” Spitzer said, pointing out an alarming trend.
During the news conference, an unnamed victim shared her harrowing experience, recounting how her family had taken precautions such as home security measures and house sitters, only to fall victim to burglaries, causing both financial losses and a profound sense of insecurity.
Representative Michelle Steel, R-Cypress, proposed that if Chile does not reform its participation, the federal government could consider replacing Chile with another country, such as Uruguay, in the special visa program.
OC officials are demanding swift action from Chile to combat ‘burglary tourism’ and protect the safety and security of residents in Orange County.
