Paul Sakuma / AP "I would be delighted to see Congress give us a way to bring workers in legally," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

SAN FRANCISCO — Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says he feels the pain of employers pinched by the federal government's intensified efforts to control illegal immigration, but until Congress enacts broad immigration reforms, businesses shouldn't expect any changes in enforcement.

Chertoff said in an interview this week the rising complaints from businesses offer some evidence the Bush administration's approach is working.

"This is harsh but accurate proof positive that for the first time in decades, we've succeeded in changing the dynamic and (are) actually beginning to reduce illegal immigration," Chertoff said.

"Unfortunately, unless you counterbalance that with a robust system to allow people to come in temporarily and legally, you're going to wind up with an economic problem."

Chertoff defended the actions of his agency, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"We're enforcing the law as it is, but Congress has not yet given us the authority to really expand the temporary worker program," he said. "If we could do that, then most of these businesses could find legal solutions."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wrote Chertoff a three-page letter last month asking federal officials to rethink their policy on workplace immigration crackdowns. The mayor said the "apparent focus on non-exploitive employers in and around the city of Los Angeles could have severe and lasting effects on our local economy."

Villaraigosa also accused federal officials of targeting "established, responsible employers" and said ICE should spend its limited resources targeting employers who exploit wage and hour laws.

Asked about the mayor's plea, Chertoff gave no indication that Villaraigosa would get the review and revision of ICE's enforcement priorities he is seeking.

"I would be delighted to see Congress give us a way to bring workers in legally," Chertoff said.

"Those workers would then be able to address the economic needs of the city and they would do it in a legal way. But as long as the law is as it is, I will enforce the law as it is."

A spokesman for Villaraigosa said the mayor hopes to discuss the matter with Chertoff in person in the coming week when he heads to Washington.

But mayoral spokesman Matt Szabo emphasized that Villaraigosa "is not suggesting the secretary should not enforce the law; he's saying that the laws that we have are broken."

"In the meantime we need to enforce the laws on the books in a much smarter way that targets those who are the greatest threat to the residents of this country," Szabo said.

Chertoff was sharply critical of businesses that complain that crackdowns on their hiring of illegal immigrants will cost them money. In a federal court case last year, groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that the department had failed to account for the economic impact of new regulations on businesses.

The argument "basically suggests we can't enforce the law because it will prevent people from making money illegally," Chertoff said. "The business community loves it (hiring illegal immigrants) because you have illegals, you pay them less, they have no place to go to complain."

Chertoff also strongly defended a program — currently blocked by a federal judge here — to send businesses letters warning they'll face penalties if they keep workers whose Social Security numbers don't match their names.

Last month the department issued new rules to answer the judge's concerns. Chertoff said he is confident the judge will allow the program to go forward.