Possibly 10 more Utah DWS employees involved in immigration hit list - These employees should get medals!

Possibly 10 more Utah DWS employees involved in immigration hit list
July 18, 6:50 AM
Salt Lake City Political Buzz ExaminerAlison Peek
Governor Herbert and Director Cox pictured above.

Immigration investigation: Utah state workers breached system; Corroon says Herbert not tough enough

SALT LAKE CITY - As the probe into the inappropriate use of private information continues, two employees of the Utah Department of Workforce Services were placed on administrative leave on Friday for their alleged actions in compiling the list of 1300 "illegal immigrants," and investigators believe as many as ten other state employees from the division could be involved.

Governor Gary Herbert and Director of The Department of Workforce Services Kristin Cox updated the media on the ongoing investigation, calling such employees "rogue" and their actions "deplorable." Herbert considers their actions "counterproductive to the issue that ought to be the focus, which is the illegal immigrant issue."

Ms. Cox told the news conference they are "confident that we have identified the core group" and believes they have strong political views and have been frustrated by the immigration situation. However, she said, "If they want to go rogue, they need to quit the department."

It appears the compilation of the list took several months. Governor Herbert said "these people involved have been very patient, they've been very deliberate." The list contains names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and medical information. The list was sent to local law enforcement and media outlets by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of the United States. It included a cover letter calling those listed "illegal immigrants" who need to be deported immediately.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff is looking at state and local charges against the participants. The Department of Workforce Services in not held to federal information security standards which were violated by the breach. They do comply with the system as a standard. Employees who have access to private information are carefully trained in the protocol.

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Source: Salt Lake Tribune