(CNN) - Eight more employees from the Utah Department of Workforce Services are being questioned in connection with a leaked list containing personal information of 1,300 alleged illegal immigrants, Dave Lewis, a department spokesman, said Monday afternoon.
He said that makes a total of 10 employees questioned, including the two placed on administrative leave last week.
Investigators are interviewing employees who have had access to certain cases "for legitimate business reasons," he said. "We want to give them the opportunity to explain work they're doing."
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said on CNN's "American Morning" on Monday that he expects to launch a formal investigation into the data leak very soon. He said he was awaiting the names of at least two suspects from the state's executive branch.
Lewis said the investigators' goal is to get all the interviews done Monday and he believed the suspects' names would be delivered to the attorney general later in the day. By early Monday afternoon, the Department of Workforce Services' general counsel had been in touch with the attorney general's office to bring lawyers there up to speed, Lewis said.
Earlier Shurtleff said, "It's important we get to the bottom of it immediately. We have condemned ... the dissemination, the use, the purpose of the list in the strongest possible terms and we do believe that action needs to be swift."
"People have to have confidence in their government that those records will be protected." he said.
The list was anonymously distributed last week to media and government offices across the state, CNN affiliate KSTU-TV reported. An accompanying letter from "Concerned Citizens of the United States" insisted that those on the list should be deported immediately.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert told CNN's John King on Friday night that the 1,300 people have Hispanic names.
Shurtleff said the alleged crimes may have broken both state and federal privacy laws, and some may have been felonies, so if appropriate, it could be a multi-level investigation. He added that crimes may have been committed not only in generating and preparing the list, but also in how the list was used.
Some of the alleged illegal immigrants listed have reported harassment since their names appeared on the list.
"Clearly, it's not even meant as a blacklist. It's more like a hit list. It is, I think, to put people at fear, to terrorize, to get people mobilized to do things. The fact is, the names on that list are also innocent until proven guilty and we're finding that some of those names ... are here legally,"
Shurtleff said.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services said Friday it had identified at least two employees believed to be involved in creating the 29-page list.
"At this point we don't think it was a very large conspiracy. We think it was two, maybe. We have suspicion of a couple of more people, a very small group," said Kristen Cox, the department's executive director.
The state focused on the Department of Workforce Services, Herbert's office said Thursday, because all of the information on the list - including contact information, Social Security numbers and pregnancy due dates - is contained within that agency's database.
Those named on the list are even more frightened, Jesus Ramos with the Utah Coalition of La Raza said last week. "For these 1,300 people, unfortunately, that fear has escalated," he said. "There's an arrest warrant out, essentially. That fear never goes away."
Herbert said Friday, "Some are scared and apprehensive. I understand that. I expect that comes with the status of being illegal. If I was in the country illegally, I would probably have fear and apprehension, too."
Shurtleff said Monday it's time to put aside rhetoric and work on a solution to the immigration issue.
Herbert has plans to bring together what he called a "spectrum" of viewpoints, some "diametrically opposed," for a round-table discussion on immigration reform in Utah on Tuesday.
"We see what's happened in Arizona," he said Friday. "So Utah, like other states right now, are saying if the federal government is not going to do something, we will take steps to do something ourselves within the parameters of the law. It may mean creating (a) new law."
– CNN's Mark Morgenstein contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
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Only in Utah...where they just about everyone including Whites that are not part of their Puritan Fundamentalist agenda.
When you are not a citizen, are breaking this nation's laws, why do you think you should be protected???????
stuff like this will keep happening until democrats refudiate the breaking of federal immigration laws. big shocker though, the party that treats unborn babies like banana peels condones the breaking of many laws. why do democrats hate America?
It's simple. Two (or more) racists dudes decided that the secrecy demanded by the records they had access to wasn't so important since they were about to do a 'favor' to the state of Utah (and the USA also) as they 'ousted' what they believed were illegal immigrants.
And how did they managed to discover these 'illegal immigrants'?
By making a list of 'Latin' names!!!
JUST THAT!!!!
You have an 'Latin origin surname'... then you are an illegal alien!!!
And they ousted 1300 because of their BELIEF that all of them are illegal aliens.
Good luck, State of Utah, in having ANYONE trusting in the secrecy of your records unless you fire and arrest those suckers!!!
Ilegal immigrants routinely steal personal information of innocent people to use to work illegally....how is it that they don't want their personal information revealed?
suzyq – Because we're not Nazis.
Because we have laws that ensure protection to ALL those who are in US soil.
Say that an illegal alien is arrested, what's the reason of him to be 'processed' before being expelled? To check if he or she, besides being here illegaly, did another crime/felony (to which he/she will have to pay for before being deported).
Now say that an American citizen is arrested punching/pumelling, for no reason other than the 'joy' and 'fun' of it, an illegal alien. Just because the man or woman is here illegaly the American citizen has the right to do whatever he/she wants to do with him/her?
Perhaps in your dreams, 'madam'...
In the real world we Americans does NOT accept any excuse for bestiality and savagery towards another HUMAN being, regardless of his/her legal status.
If there is a law enforcement agent that thinks just like you, then he/she is a rogue and crooked one. NOT the example to be followed.
And herein is the problem; are they all illegal immigrants? If even one is a legal resident or citizen, then the leakers are in serious legal and civil jeopardy. When the laws were written to protect people's personal data, did the law say anything about whether the victims had to be citizens?
Watch for the cops to react harshly to this; nothing scares the powers that be more than vigilante action.
This is a major privacy breach, there should be jail time and fines. Supervisors should be fired, there was a real lack of controls on this data.
So they're going through this list and finding out the people are here legally? So obviously these idiots put the list together by pulling all hispanic names.
Why do republicans/rightwingers think that all hispanics are illegal?
FIRE THEM ... ZERO TOLERANCE for government workers who abuse their trusted postions.
Here's a phrase I've been hearing a lot lately - "What about illegal don't you understand?" This was protected information. No matter the reasoning behind the list, it's compilation was illegal. What if this person(s) decided they didn't like a service you used or that you, just because it was you using it, was illegal? Do you want your protected information sent out to others, including a media outlet, just because you didn't meet the standards of a state worker?
Just to type this is expending too much energy for this person. She is making so much money on her speech tour she should be ashamed of herself. That's capatism for you and for all of us. I hope as AMERICANS "WE" can start to come together again as a great nation.
Any civil servants who abuse the public trust in this way ought to be fired and jailed. If the government gathers information that is clearly confidential the public should be able to believe that government will maintain the trust.
What if State Workers were to release a listing of people SUSPECTED of cheating on their taxes including their names, family members, addresses, and ssns. Would that be ok? Should these State Workers be seen as heroes just doing their civic duty? Would it be ok make such a listing to be made public everywhere?
What makes this so heinous is the fact that almost half of these people were legal. These state workers just took people who had Spanish names and put them on the list.
I think they should be suspended. And given a couple of weeks off with out pay. This is outrageous. And to SusieQ if someone did something like that to you and your family and you were legal, NOTHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT.
Of course you people didn't mind when Bush and his republican enablers listening in on private conservations, which had nothing to do with terrorist. Opened and read email for the same reason.
So I think you should shut up about what you don't know a darn thing about. This is America things like this never happened until the republicans got in power. THEY RULE UTAH.
Tom – Michigan July 19th, 2010 5:05 pm ET
Why do republicans/rightwingers think that all hispanics are illegal?
-------------–
Tom,
I have a better question for you. Instead of enforcing the law, as the Executive Branch is mandated by the Constitution, why do they not see illegals not as illegals but as a voting bloc to be won instead?
Malabar.....Is Sarah Palin teaching you her new English Language "Refudiate" is not a word, only in Sarah's world.........It's the Repubs who apparently hate the American people because they keep denying the over 1 million who's unemployment benefits that have run out an extension on unemployment benefits, they sure aren't thinking of the babies and children that won't have food to eat or a roof over their heads are they , they just like to say they are Christians and keep saying no, because we can't add to the deficit, but it's okay for people to go hungry...........
I hope all these people who have had the Repubs turn their backs on them remember this come November
So what's this difference between this and the illegal warrantless wiretapping that Bush & Co. indulged in and haven't been arrested for? It's all illegal, it's unAmerican and the people involved should be arrested, tried and thrown in Leavenworth.
This is why they have firing squads.
Are they real Americans, or liberals? If they are real Americans, let them go. If they are liberals, then they should be stripped of their citizenship and deported. We don't want their kind here. That sounds ridiculous – but that is the mentality of the crowd the conservatives have harnessed to fulfill their agenda.
While it breaks several laws to make the list public, one thing I heard disturbs me greatly. I heard that one thing contained in the list was "delivery dates". So, is this a list of expectant women, some possibly illegal, who are going to have their anchor baby in the USA? Other than being here illegally, being pregnant and illegal should be more than enough incentive to send them back to their home countries – if they are illegal.
Steve (the real one) – July 19th, 2010 5:29 pm ET
Do I need to remind you that whatever you and I think about immigration and stuff, NOTHING changes the fact that a CRIME was perpetrated?
That just because of their surname (racial profiling anyone?) 1300 were labelled as illegals immigrants and therefore 'without any right under the US Constitution' (which by the way is not true...)?
Say... for the safe of the argumentation that those 'idiots' (i can't use the right term in public) did it right and all the 1300 names on the list ARE of illegal aliens. Does that means that they won't gonna have to serve some jailtime in order to protect the trust of any person in the US, citizen or not (tourist and other legal aliens included), in the secrecy of their personal data that it is on public datafiles?
what is wrong with you white people. go after any one who is not white
Any comment that seeks to justiffy the obvious law breaking that occured to create this list is advocating for anarchy, the distruction of our constitution and a negation of our rights and freedoms. There is no moral, legal, or just arguement for this list. Its attempts to target illegal imigrants does not negate the abuse of power and the violation of privacy that these government workers commited. The fact that legal residence were included isn't what made their actions indefesible, but it does mean they committed even more crimes. Please understand this list was an abuse of government authority, presidents and senators are not the only government emploees that can abuse their power and positions.
There's a simple solution if an illegal immigrant is afraid of being arrested–go back to your home country.
I love how everyone is SO concerned about nailing the people who created the list, yet aren't concerned about the 1300 alleged illegal aliens receiving government handouts. Who is checking up on those people???
These people should be fired and then give the jobs to someone who is without a job–I know the unemployment rate in Utah is just as high as the rest of the country.
And, I would be more impressed with the version of "they are here illegally so they don't have rights" IF the government workers also PUBLISHED the names of the companies who hired illegals!
"When you are not a citizen, are breaking this nation's laws, why do you think you should be protected???????"
Wrong question and it shows your misunderstanding of how the law works so that all citizens remain protected.
The correct question is: "What on god's green earth makes these state employees believe that they have the authority or power to ignore state and federal criminal laws protecting the privacy rights of our citizens just because they've decided, without evidence, proof, trial or deportation proceedings, that every hispanic name they come across in their access to confidential data bases means that the person is an illegal immigrant?"
If you don't understand that their unilateral decision to break criminal laws and "out" whoever they deemed to be an illegal puts the confidentiality of legal cintizens' private information at risk, then you are, quite simply, a freekin retard.
This is how Hitler started... when are they going to force everyone with Hispanic names to start wearing the big, yellow star? I think it's disgusting what is happening in the States. I thank God that I live in Canada.
Three cheers for these Utah residents' releasing the names of illegal immigrants. Where is the wrath of Utah taxpayers footing the costs for these illegals? And what are those useless and arrogant Utah politicians doing to solve this illegal immigrant problem other than funding their existence in Utah with Utah taxpayer money?
Vote these friggin bureaucrats out of office and vote in some people who will stand up for Utah LEGAL residents!! I'm personally tired of all the excuses for harboring these illegals! Round them up and send them home, period!
This is why there are many of us that DO NOT support the AZ round-up. As it stands the 'round-up' is a VERYsubjective procedure that TARGETS people that don't look 'right'. This can only lead to all sorts of civil rights violations, and worse as is clearly the case with these over-enthusiastic "patriots".
The law of the land should be written is such in a way that it can be objectively applied; without the fear of bias and subjectivity. And most definitely, without encouraging the zealot, or the vigilantes in our midst.
Such is not the case in AZ. And as this story shows, poor laws can lead to questionable if not outright illegal actions on the part of not only law enforcement but the citizenry at large.
Why can't we find out who employed these illegals and arrest them. Without jobs there would be no illegals!
Oh the joys of being a rat!!!!
Why are the liberals here up in arms about the list but not upset about the breaking of the law by the illegal aliens...... could it be they look upon them as potential voters for the Democrats???
The investigators should be reading the illegal immigrants names and addresses on that list and prepare to deport them and their children back to Mexico. It took state workers to wake the state of Utah up and that state doesn't care about hiring illegal immigrants. The would rather prosecute the state workers than round up the immigrtants. Good for Arizona. 9 more states plan to follow her same law. Maybe in time all the states will have that law.
I guess this is OK for the Mormons. In the famed words of their founder, "I don't care how you bring'em, just Bring'em Young!"
The reason why this is wrong is very simple. It's because this has been done before in Germany and it ended up turning into the Holocaust. The toxic environment regarding Undocumented Immigrants has gotten out of proportion to the point that some idiots came up with a list of Hispanics and thought it was a good idea for the sake of America. If this keeps happening then America is no longer America.
Only an idiot like "Victim of the GOP Taliban" would lump a whole group of people together - without any idea what he's talking about. People like him are dividing the country. Only the crazy and uninformed would call Utah living "Puritan Fundamentalist agenda".
Unfortunately, I think most of the posters here want to divide the country.
Sounds to me like there are gonna be 8 Utah-bilies a-movin to AZ where they will be welcomed with open arms and slack jaws by that backwards state government.
Kick every single one of them out who are not legal. Just because their names were obtained illegally. They are in this country illegally. And those that are having kids get free pre-natal care. Such a joke because American citizens have trouble getting that. The government needs to step up and do it's job. That includes Republicans and Democrats
Where's the list of all the companies and individuals hiring illegal aliens in direct violation of the law?
If people couldn't get jobs, they wouldn't come to our country.
That's who we should be mad at: The cheap jerks who've laid off countless American citizens so they can hire illegal aliens on the cheap, without having to pay for benefits.
THOSE are the ones at the root of the problem!
Utah's unemployment is over 2% lower than the national average. They rank high in education. The snow is great for skiing and the mountain biking is incredible (Moab,...). Also, unlike CA, when somebody breaks the law, they go after that person (note: they cracked the case in less than 2 days).
Utah is awesome. Too cool for a dud like me - a lonely guy that lives in my mom's basement. I wish that I had some hobbies, friends, companionship,... teeth.
So hello. Doesn't anyone remember the definition of bureaucrat?
Looking pretty at the top of an agency gets votes, but the munchkin bureaucrat grunts have control of the knobs and buttons that keep our lives oh so interesting.
It is the duty of all good American patriots to alert the authorities about the location of illegal immigrants or any other criminal behavior. To not do so is aiding a state of anarchy.
The sad thing about those who think these state employees are patriots, is that they are oblivious to the fact that state employees have plenty of access to their records and could just as easily print and distribute.
As a member of the minority in Utah, it is embarrassing that we have so many bigoted and short sighted people here.
However, the best part is that the list seems to be softening the stance of the state government because they have to show that they will protect privacy. It might just be the best thing to happen to the immigration discussion. I love when hate backfires.
So,I would be the one punished if I "leaked"the names of illegals from Pakistan,Iran,Iraq,Saudi Arabia,ad infintum because of their RIGHTS?What about MY rights to live in a Country with protected borders?Didn't Obama "swear" to "defend and protect" our borders?What about DMVs' that SELL your info(including your SSN) to anyone with the cash?Are American Citizens the only ones WITHOUT rights?Just askin.
This one's really simple, folks...
1. Identify and punish those who leaked the list.
2. Locate and deport anyone on the list who is in the country illegally.
Let justice prevail...That's why we have laws.
The Internal Revenue Service is well aware of those who are not here legally. They know this because of the ITIN numbers people apply for when they file income tax returns, using a bogus SS number. This has been SINCE 1996 when it was first inacted. While 17 countries made up 85 percent of ITIN applicants for calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001, Mexican nationals constituted over 53 percent of ITIN applicants.
Why do the comments on this subject always revert to racism?
Because it is an easy charge. You do not know what is in peoples hearts.
The fact is that there are way too many people here that are illegal. Who is to say that some are possible terrorists? Should we not be wary of that?
9/11 will only happen again if we ignore a glaring problem in our national security. I was at ground Zero and I NEVER want so see what I saw again. Pray you never have to.
Leftists have a long history of publishing the names and addresses of their political enemies, issuing threats of physical violence, and carrying out said threats. What's good for the goose, you know.
Notwithstanding the technical legality of the actions of the Utah state employees, I applaud them. It's ridiculous talking about the "rule of law" when the presence of 25+ million illegal immigrants in the US screams otherwise.
Lets go after the people trying to find the illegals and put them in jail.However,lets not touch those millions breaking the law already by being here illegaly. !!!
Ok Idiots. Yes Americans get real upset when OUR laws are not enforced for political reasons. NO everyone commenting are not white. The simple fact is nothing wrong with this list just like nothing wrong with a list of bank robbers. ILLEGAL aliens are in violation of federal felony laws just like bank robbers. This list did not go to the media it went to the FED's who within no time can check (but won't) social security number against the name and if the person is here legally that is the end of it. I personally don't care if a person is green as long as he/she is here LEGALLY. Press 4 for English.
P.S. to the FEDS tell us if anyone on the list is here LEGALLY? Yea that won't happen.