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Forty-five illegal workers were arrested by federal agents in the largest immigration bust that Maryland has seen in recent years. 16 homes in Anne Arundel County were raided early on June 30th. Illegal workers for Annapolis Painting Services were allegedly coerced into renting the apartments in exchange for one-third of their monthly wages. The owner of the company, Robert Bontempo, has not yet been charged with any crime, but the company has been accused of providing workers with false Social Security numbers.

During today’s markup of the FY09 Department of Homeland Security spending bill (no bill number yet), the House Appropriations Committee voted to cut and remove funding for proven enforcement measures such as the 287(g) program, which enables local police and sheriffs to enforce immigration laws, and workplace enforcement activities. The measure will, among other things, require ICE to spend $800 million to identify and deport illegal aliens who have committed serious crimes.

Rep. Chris Cannon (R - Utah) was defeated in the Republican primary in Utah's 3rd district. While considered a staunch conservative on many issues, Rep. Cannon is known for being pro-immigration and has sponsored many bills to allow more foreign workers to enter the United States. Americans for Better Immigration gives Rep. Cannon a C grade based on his immigration voting record. Rep.