U.S. asked to probe labor center

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The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia is being urged to look into a charge that Herndon officials have violated federal criminal conspiracy laws by creating a day-labor center that helps illegal aliens.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. McNulty has received from Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican, a letter accusing Herndon officials of conspiracy in seeking to aid illegal aliens, the congressman's office said.

In his letter, Mr. Tancredo noted that officials for Project Hope and Harmony -- a group of community leaders and churches that will operate Herndon's day-labor center -- have refused to screen job seekers based on their legal status in the country.

He said their proposed action constitutes a conspiracy to violate federal law because a June 2004 study by Fairfax County indicates that at least 85 percent of laborers who would use the center are illegal aliens.

"So, they have full knowledge how many illegal aliens are there, and the government agency knows that they are catering and providing a service to those illegal aliens," Tancredo spokesman Will Adams said yesterday.

Mr. McNulty, who became the acting deputy attorney general in October, could not be reached for comment.

An official with the U.S. Attorney's Office said the Tancredo letter was likely forwarded to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the U.S. Department of Justice.

It could not be determined yesterday which agency has the letter.

Herndon Mayor Michael O'Reilly said the town will proceed with plans to open the center Dec. 19.

"I personally don't believe there's been any violation of any state, local or federal law," he said. "I don't think that U.S. Attorney McNulty has any need to conduct any investigation. However, if he's interested in our community, we certainly would welcome him here or provide him any information that he would like."

The center will be housed in a trailer on the site of the town's defunct police station, which sits on the Fairfax County line.

The Herndon Town Council on Dec. 15 will come before Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals officials, who say the driveway entrance is in the county and violates zoning codes.

On Dec. 16, the national watchdog group Judicial Watch will appear on behalf of six residents before the Fairfax County Circuit Court to call for an injunction to bar use of taxpayer funds for the site.

Neither hearing will delay the center's opening, Mr. O'Reilly said.

Mr. Adams said he hopes Mr. McNulty "at least takes a look at" Mr. Tancredo's request for an investigation. "The Herndon situation could have a rippling effect for similar centers across the country," he said.

Town Council member Ann Null, who has opposed the day-labor center, said she welcomes an investigation.

"It's far from over," Mrs. Null said.