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President Obama speaks to law enforcement leaders from across the country on immigration reforms at the White House in Washington May 13, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Despite the evidence that House Republicans have no intention of taking up immigration reform in the near future, President Obama predicted that there's still a "narrow window" to pass some kind of legislation before the midterm elections.

The president's remarks came during brief remarks to more than 40 law enforcement leaders ranging from the National Sheriffs Association to the Fraternal Order of Police. The president praised the work that the officials do, but also noted that they are diverted from pursuing "gang bangers and...violent criminals" by spending so much time enforcing immigration laws that are flawed.

"Our broken immigration system makes it harder for our law enforcement agencies to do their job," the president said. "Our system is not fair to workers, is not fair to businesses and is not fair to law enforcement agencies."

He blamed a "handful of House Republicans" for blocking the Senate's immigration bill, which passed in June 2013, from coming to the floor. Though Mr. Obama said he is not "hell bent" on signing that legislation in its original form, he argued that it still presents a good framework and concludes necessary components like creating a conditional pathway to citizenship for those living in the country illegally.

The president said that public opinion favors his view of reform, but that just two to three months remain in which a bill could feasibly be considered.

"The closer we get to midterm elections the harder it will be to get things done," he said.

Although House Republicans released a set of principles for an immigration overhaul at the beginning of the year including legal status, but not citizenship, for those in the country illegally, the leadership was quick to backtrack when it appeared there was insufficient support for any comprehensive proposal. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has repeatedly blamed Mr. Obama for the delay, saying members do not trust he will enforce any laws they pass.

Still, Boehner professes to hold out hope that immigration reform might happen.

"I need to work with my colleagues and bring them along. And while I feel strongly about the need to deal with immigration reform, I have got to bring these members along," he said in an event at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Monday.

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Obama: "Narrow window" for Congress to pass immigration reform