Nowhere to Hide: Brady Amendment First Step In Closing 'Safe Havens' for Criminals

Washington, D.C. - - Today U.S. Representative Kevin Brady launched an effort to close safe havens for criminals who flee American justice. Brady successfully amended H.R. 1211, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, to require the State Department to identify countries that have become safe havens, identify factors which contribute to the international extradition problem, and submit to Congress a report on updating and modernizing outdated extradition treaties.

"100 years ago, criminals fled across state and county lines to escape justice. Today, criminals flee the country and continent," said Brady. "This amendment is designed to close safe havens by updating and modernizing outdated U.S. extradition treaties, half of which pre-date World War II."

Recent cases illustrate the loopholes and injustice of current extradition laws. These include Maryland's Samuel Sheinbein who fled to Israel, Pennsylvania convicted murderer Ira Einhorn who remains free in France, California serial killer David Alvarez, and Florida's Jose Luis Del Toro Jr., both who sought refuge in Mexico. These abuses will only grow more frequent predicts Brady.

"The world has gotten smaller. Those engaged in drug trafficking, terrorism, violent crime, fraud, and corruption are taking advantage of outdated treaties," said Brady.

"This amendment sends a signal to the world that America is serious about closing safe havens, and that the international community has a responsibility to work together to address this growing problem," said Brady. "Just as countries have updated their trade, human rights, and environmental laws to reflect a changing world, it's time for the international community to update their extradition agreements. If we succeed, criminals will have nowhere on the globe to hide."

Back Home / About Kevin Brady / 8th District Tour / Press Releases / Constituent Services / Sunset Legislation