Governor Rick Perry Bills the Federal Government for Incarcerating Illegal Immigrants

Dear Federal Government,

PAY UP!

Signed,

Texas

That's the message Governor Rick Perry has sent by asking Homeland Security for $349 million dollars. According to Perry, that's how much it costs the State to lock up illegals in Texas. According to FOX News:

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Perry reiterated a claim he's often leveled against the federal government : that it's not doing enough to secure the border with Mexico and as a result, has allowed illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. and use taxpayer-funded resources, including the prison system.The letter was dated Aug. 10, three days before the Republican governor formally announced he is running for president.

Reached after-hours Friday by phone, DHS spokesman Matthew Chandler said he wasn't in position to comment and said he could not confirm that the DHS had even received the letter.

Campaign tactic or not, it's a great move by Perry. The Feds say they are responsible for immigration issues. No problem, pay us back then.