Like other media outlets, from time to time we get email — some of it angry, some of it appreciative. But this is a first: a request from the Department of Homeland Security to modify a blog post published last week, in regards to illegal immigrants cleaning Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff’s home. Mind you, DHS asks for a modification, not a correction; we’re covering the request with this blog post as it appears as if DHS wants to make a clarification rather than Michigan Messenger.

Here’s the request:
 

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Dierker, Caroline
Date: Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Subject: DHS Response to Washington Post Story on Secretary Michael Chertoff
To: [email protected]

Dear Michigan Messenger,

The Department of Homeland Security saw that you were writing about today’s Washington Post story about Secretary Chertoff’s employment of a cleaning service that hired illegal immigrants. The DHS Press Office would appreciate it if you would consider including the response of DHS spokesman Russ Knocke in your story:

“Every contractor in the United States has the responsibility of ensuring their workers are legal. As customers, the Chertoffs obtained assurances from Mr. Reid that any personnel he dispatched to their home were authorized to work in the United States.

As soon as the Chertoffs learned that Mr. Reid deceived them by employing some unauthorized workers, they fired him. Further, Secretary Chertoff recused himself from any involvement in immigration enforcement actions that could follow.

The United States Secret Service maintains a round the clock security presence at the residences of protectees, and screens individuals who enter a residence or have business to conduct on the property.

This matter illustrates the need for comprehensive immigration reform, and the importance of effective tools for companies to determine the lawful status of their workforce.

More 91,000 employers have enrolled in E-verify, and there were more than 6.6 million workers checked last year. E-verify is free, fast and available online for employers. It is unfortunate that Mr. Reid did not acknowledge his own personal responsibility and check the eligibility of his work force.”

Thanks,

Caroline Dierker
Assistant Press Secretary
Department of Homeland Security

Don’t you wonder how many emails like this DHS sent out last week? A cursory search suggests a minimum of 200 emails might have been sent; have you heard of such requests for modifications elsewhere? Do tell in comments.