WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security must adopt a zero tolerance policy for government contractors hiring undocumented workers for Gulf Coast reconstruction, according to a letter sent by U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La today to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

"The use of undocumented workers in federal contracts for hurricane relief comes at the direct expense of hurricane victims," Sen. Landrieu wrote, describing how local workers are locked out of employment opportunities by contractors that circumvent existing labor laws to hire undocumented workers at lower wages. "While my state experiences unemployment rates not seen since the Great Depression, it is unconscionable that illegal workers would be brought into Louisiana aggravating our employment crisis and depressing earnings for our workers."

The letter cites a recent incident where Louisiana electricians were dismissed from reconstruction efforts at the Belle Chase Naval Air Station and replaced by less-skilled, lower-wage workers of unclear origin. Some of those unfairly dismissed electricians will be featured tonight on CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight" (6:00pm ET/ 5:00pm CT). The workers testified yesterday before a hearing with Sen. Landrieu and other members of the Senate.

Sen. Landrieu called upon the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to dispatch an additional team of immigration enforcement officers to the region to help ensure government contractors follow the nation's labor laws and that available jobs go to those residents who have lost their jobs as a result of the hurricanes. Local unemployment has skyrocketed since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita first hit Louisiana, a problem which has only been exacerbated by contractors hiring out-of-state, undocumented workers.

"The use of undocumented, illegal workers in the construction industry is a lamentable reality," Sen. Landrieu wrote. "However, if press accounts are true, the issue is quickly becoming chronic along the Gulf Coast."

"I am confident that immediate and rigorous prosecution of these illegal activities would quickly stem this tide."