Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides authority for state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate, detain, and arrest aliens on civil and criminal grounds. Officers governed by Section 287(g) must receive adequate training and operate under the direction of federal authorities. In addition, in a civil law suit, the state and local authorities would be considered to have been acting under federal authority, therefore shifting liability to the federal government and providing addiotional immunity for state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.
As November draws closer, the immigration debate has been mysteriously absent from national headlines. But if one is to look closer at local news, they would find many state and local jurisdictions doing an 180 degree turn with regards to the Department of Homeland Security's program based on Section 287(g) of the INA.
In the past, many jurisdictions shied away from immigration issues for fear of civil liabilities. Many states and localities even declared themselves "sanctuary" cities or states to dispell fears in immigrant communities with regards to police cooperation. This has led to the release of several violent offenders, who may have been apprehended when encountered by police as a result of their immigration status.
On one hand, many illegal immigrants and immigrant advocates feel this authority leads to discrimination from police. One such individual was arrested in Meclenberg County, North Carolina, where the sherriff's office has recently become part of the 287(g) program. The individual in queston claims that police purposely target Latinos, knowing that they are unable to obtain a driver's license, in order to harass them. When pulled over, this individual was driving without a license with an open container of beer in the vehicle. He now face deportation in addition to his citations.
Mecklenberg County Sherriff Jim Pendegraph has a different take on the issue.
"When any of them cross that border without proper documentation, they've violated the law---however insignificant that may seem to some people. I've heard sad stories about folks wanting to come up here and have a better life and earn money for their family. I've arrested bank robbers who've had the same excuse."
The reason Mecklenberg officials are so intent on enforcing immigration laws? In July, 2005, a truck driven by and illegal immigrant whose blood-alcohol level was nearly triple the legal limit, hit a car, killed a local teacher and left the teacher's wife in a vegetative state. The accident resulted in Ramiro Gallego's fifth impared driving charge in five years-and led to the new enforcement policy.
Since April, 1,200 foreign nationals have been arrested on charges ranging from traffic violations and trespassing to sex crimes. 600 of those individuals were found to be here illegally.
Besides the Mecklenberg County Sherriff's Office, six other state and local law enforcement agencies have started similar programs in recent years. A dozen more are currently being worked out with the Department of Homeland Security, and hundreds of other state and local agencies have inquired about the program.
In Virginia, Loudon County and the City of Herndon have expressed interest in the program, while other localities are lukewarm, at best, with regards to the program.
Gaithersburg, MD Poice Chief Mary Ann Viverette states that her county, Montgomery County, MD, "celebrates diversity". she further states that immigration is not an issue their officials want to enforce. Gaithersburg is considered a "sanctuary city", and Montgomery County a "sancuary County" for illegal immigrants. Interestingly enough, crime has risen in Montgomery County by 6.4% in 2005, and by 12.2% in the first quarter of 2006.
Representative Sue Myrick of North Carolina states, "No more excuses. You're drunk. You're driving. You're illegal. You're deported. Period."
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Comments: 7
Approaches
By William H. Calhoun
October 6, 2006
"A retired officer in the US military recently said to me, "We have a serious problem. Our country is pillaged on a daily basis, Mexico has all but declared war, Mexicans are aiding terrorists, and our president refuses to retaliate."
We must live in a surreal world. Mexico invades the United States. Twenty million invaders have already crossed the border. And now Mexican politicians say they plan to ask the United Nations to prevent the US from building a fence. O tempora! O mores!
We know that the Mexican military and Mexican gangs help terrorists sneak into the United States. Texas Sheriffs have found Arabic materials along the Rio Grande. The Mexican military, Mexican gangs, and average ordinary Mexicans have been caught aiding terrorists all over the Southwest. In fact, as one observer remarked, "Mexicans seem to admire these terrorists."
Although many Mexicans support and aid these terrorists, Mexicans have an agenda all their own: reconquista, the retaking of the Southwest United States. They believe they have a right to be in the Southwest, and plan to recolonize it. Their intentions are transparent, their success rate increasing. As Mexican activist Ricky Sierra said, "We are recolonizing America and they are afraid of us. They are very afraid. It is time for us to take back what is ours." If retaliation is not forthcoming, Aztlan will live again. Every single white person will be removed from the Southwest or eliminated.
War approaches; war is inevitable. But the question is how it will manifest itself. "This certainly will not be a conventional war," said one military analyst. Hispanics now permeate the US military, and many officers know that these Hispanics would side with their own raza (race). They would defect to the Mexican army, or try to ambush American attempts to defend the US. The US Army would break down into a civil war of sorts: patriots versus Hispanics.
The real war, however, would be in the streets, parking lots, and backyards of America. Loyal Americans would take up arms, join militias, and defend their homeland. Rockets and bullets would light the sky, and the future of America would hang in the balance.
What are patriotic Americans to do? At the moment, local action beckons. Lobby your local politicians to enact anti-illegal immigration legislation. Demand deportation. Join militias, join patrols, and prepare yourself for coming war. It will be a bloody war, but I predict, I hope, that patriotic Americans will be victorious."
Cont'd below.......
http://newsblaze.com/story/20061005220712nnnn.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html
Illegal Immigration: War with Mexico
Approaches
By William H. Calhoun
October 6, 2006
"A retired officer in the US military recently said to me, "We have a serious problem. Our country is pillaged on a daily basis, Mexico has all but declared war, Mexicans are aiding terrorists, and our president refuses to retaliate."
We must live in a surreal world. Mexico invades the United States. Twenty million invaders have already crossed the border. And now Mexican politicians say they plan to ask the United Nations to prevent the US from building a fence. O tempora! O mores!
We know that the Mexican military and Mexican gangs help terrorists sneak into the United States. Texas Sheriffs have found Arabic materials along the Rio Grande. The Mexican military, Mexican gangs, and average ordinary Mexicans have been caught aiding terrorists all over the Southwest. In fact, as one observer remarked, "Mexicans seem to admire these terrorists."
Although many Mexicans support and aid these terrorists, Mexicans have an agenda all their own: reconquista, the retaking of the Southwest United States. They believe they have a right to be in the Southwest, and plan to recolonize it. Their intentions are transparent, their success rate increasing. As Mexican activist Ricky Sierra said, "We are recolonizing America and they are afraid of us. They are very afraid. It is time for us to take back what is ours." If retaliation is not forthcoming, Aztlan will live again. Every single white person will be removed from the Southwest or eliminated.
War approaches; war is inevitable. But the question is how it will manifest itself. "This certainly will not be a conventional war," said one military analyst. Hispanics now permeate the US military, and many officers know that these Hispanics would side with their own raza (race). They would defect to the Mexican army, or try to ambush American attempts to defend the US. The US Army would break down into a civil war of sorts: patriots versus Hispanics.
The real war, however, would be in the streets, parking lots, and backyards of America. Loyal Americans would take up arms, join militias, and defend their homeland. Rockets and bullets would light the sky, and the future of America would hang in the balance.
What are patriotic Americans to do? At the moment, local action beckons. Lobby your local politicians to enact anti-illegal immigration legislation. Demand deportation. Join militias, join patrols, and prepare yourself for coming war. It will be a bloody war, but I predict, I hope, that patriotic Americans will be victorious."
Cont'd below.......
http://newsblaze.com/story/20061005220712nnnn.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html
Illegal Immigration: War with Mexico
Approaches
By William H. Calhoun
October 6, 2006
"A retired officer in the US military recently said to me, "We have a serious problem. Our country is pillaged on a daily basis, Mexico has all but declared war, Mexicans are aiding terrorists, and our president refuses to retaliate."
We must live in a surreal world. Mexico invades the United States. Twenty million invaders have already crossed the border. And now Mexican politicians say they plan to ask the United Nations to prevent the US from building a fence. O tempora! O mores!
We know that the Mexican military and Mexican gangs help terrorists sneak into the United States. Texas Sheriffs have found Arabic materials along the Rio Grande. The Mexican military, Mexican gangs, and average ordinary Mexicans have been caught aiding terrorists all over the Southwest. In fact, as one observer remarked, "Mexicans seem to admire these terrorists."
Although many Mexicans support and aid these terrorists, Mexicans have an agenda all their own: reconquista, the retaking of the Southwest United States. They believe they have a right to be in the Southwest, and plan to recolonize it. Their intentions are transparent, their success rate increasing. As Mexican activist Ricky Sierra said, "We are recolonizing America and they are afraid of us. They are very afraid. It is time for us to take back what is ours." If retaliation is not forthcoming, Aztlan will live again. Every single white person will be removed from the Southwest or eliminated.
War approaches; war is inevitable. But the question is how it will manifest itself. "This certainly will not be a conventional war," said one military analyst. Hispanics now permeate the US military, and many officers know that these Hispanics would side with their own raza (race). They would defect to the Mexican army, or try to ambush American attempts to defend the US. The US Army would break down into a civil war of sorts: patriots versus Hispanics.
The real war, however, would be in the streets, parking lots, and backyards of America. Loyal Americans would take up arms, join militias, and defend their homeland. Rockets and bullets would light the sky, and the future of America would hang in the balance.
What are patriotic Americans to do? At the moment, local action beckons. Lobby your local politicians to enact anti-illegal immigration legislation. Demand deportation. Join militias, join patrols, and prepare yourself for coming war. It will be a bloody war, but I predict, I hope, that patriotic Americans will be victorious."
Cont'd below.......
http://newsblaze.com/story/20061005220712nnnn.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html
I do have a few questions for you William, and as a deportation officer you are probably the best qualified person to ask. Please do not assume the questions are inflammatory - they are not. They are sincere.
1. How do you train local officers about "profiling" or unfairly "targeting" anyone with dark skin?
2. How do you think this hinders victims and their ability to report crimes against them if they are attacked or threatened? I am primarily concerned with domestic violence cases where both are illegal and she is being abused and possibly children - legal or illegal. There has to be a statement and the courts have to issue a restraining order....How does all that play a part in local governments acting as deportation agents?
3. What are the guidelines using this system? For example, illegal immigrants are in a car accident - not their fault and they are licensed to drive. Does Mecklenburg County check their legal status?
4. There are light colored, young adults of Mexican descent. How would an officer know, just by looking at an individual, if they could potentially be an illegal alien?
I think that's it for now. Thanks for your time.
You can stay updated on illegal invader issues by going to:
www.americanpatrol.com
www.numbersusa.com
www.saveourstate.org (forums---"What's on Tap" and "General Discussions:"