Catalina Island, a small resort island off the California coast is usually known for it's tranquility, beauty and romantic scenery.  After today, it's will be a one stop ID card stop for illegal Mexicans. 

The island's illegal Mexican immigrants can now easily obtain identification cards at the brand spankin' new satellite consular office provided by the Mexican government.

The consulate distributed fliers in Los Angeles directing Mexicans to visit the office to obtain the identification, called matricular cards, by appointment.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican whose district includes Catalina Island, said handing out matricular cards will exacerbate an already dangerous situation.

"Handing out matricular cards to Mexicans who are not in this country legally is wrong no matter where it's done," he said. "But on Catalina it will do more damage. It's a small island but there's evidence it's being used as a portal for illegals to access mainland California." (Catalina has a history of drug smuggling and human trafficking)

Rohrabacher called attention to the gross double standard between U.S. and Mexico's immigration policies;  "If there were a large number of Americans illegally in Mexico and the U.S. consulate was making it easier for them to stay, Mexico would never permit it."

The matricular consular identification card, is issued by the Mexican government to Mexican nationals residing outside the country, regardless of immigration status. The purpose is to provide identification for opening bank accounts and obtaining other services. But the cards are usually used to skirt U.S. immigration laws, since Mexicans in the country legally have documents proving that status, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said.

Officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said their agency was asked by Mexican officials not to enforce U.S. immigration laws on the island while the cards were being issued.

"It amazes me every time that the Mexican government has the gall to tell us what to do," said an ICE official, who asked not to be named. "More surprisingly is how many times we stand by and let them."

Mexican officials with the consular office in Los Angeles could not be reached immediately for comment.

Well, looks like our new residents want to play nice...