Illegals in Hartford, Ct. Demand An End To ICE Raids
 
Indicative of all that was wrong with the recently shelved Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation is this story out of Hartford, Connecticut:
(Hartford-WTNH) As the issue of illegal immigration reaches a boiling point for many people across the United States, a rally in front of City Hall demanded the end to raids. Pablo Perez-Lopez describes how federal agents stormed his Standish Street apartment with guns and a warrant for Norma Velasquez. "I felt mad, nervous," said Pablo. "I was scared and then they just took me." Through an interpreter, Pablo tells News Channel 8 that he was released because he is only 17-years old. But agents rounded up everyone else in the house, including Velasquez, her boyfriend Enendi Diaz and cousin Antonio Mobero. The rally Friday in front of City Hall demanded that the Feds stop raiding homes. "It is essential that our city leaders stand up for all Hartford residents, regardless of their immigration status. We must end these raids now," said protestor Myra Esquilin. Immigration agents say that Velasquez violated a deportation order and she is now on her way back to Guatemala. Agents also say that Diaz and Mobero were in the country illegally. Protestors say they want a balance between the law and mercy. "A nation may not simple decide that it wants to provide for its own people and no others. A sincere commitment to the needs of all must prevail, particularly in a country like America," said Esquilin. Relatives of detainees are disappointed that Congress did not pass immigration reform that provided a path to citizenship. Meanwhile, the local chapter of 'U.S. Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement' says that they are ready to mobilize with the Senate's failure to pass an immigration reform bill. They plan to push for more federal raids and will wage a campaign that will include a hotline to call in tips on illegals.
My favorite quote: “A nation may not simply decide that it wants to provide for its own people and no others.” Point of fact: a nation that pursues this course, ceases to be a “nation.” How does this quoted entreaty from one of the protestors differ in substance from the open borders elements of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package?
Although they are too timorous to say so, the comments of this protestor mirror exactly the sentiments of those Senators who came very close to ramming such a policy down the throats of a very unreceptive American public.
 
Monday, July 2, 2007
By Johnny K