Feds Still Tight-Lipped On 287(g) Information
Last updated Saturday, October 18, 2008 6:41 PM CDT in News
By Ron Wood
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE — Most of the illegal immigrants being arrested by a local immigration task force are being deported in civil proceedings, it appears based on federal criminal court records.
Shortly after the local immigration task force was formed, federal officials provided at least two news releases about arrests.
On Feb. 8, 2008, a release said 123 illegal immigrants were processed for removal by the local task force between December 2007 and January 2008. That release detailed offenses and names of six individuals.
On March 20, 2008, a release said the local task force had processed 139 illegal immigrants since the task force was formed and detailed why. Most had slipped into the country illegally but were initially arrested for various other offenses such has identity theft, property theft, weapons violations, driving while intoxicated and domestic violence. The release detailed the countries of origin, 75 percent were from Mexico, the others were from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Peru.
Then the releases stopped.
Immigration officials now say they can’t or won’t provide information to the public about who they arrest, where they’re from, who arrested them or what crime they committed. Being in the country illegally is a civil offense and information regarding those arrests is protected from release under the Privacy Act of 1974, federal officials say.
Federal officials said the local Immigration Criminal Apprehension Task Force arrested 528 suspected illegal immigrants from its inception through June 25, 2008. The task force started sometime in September 2007. At the end of September 2008, the number provided was 703.
Officials at the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in New Orleans release the number of total arrests quarterly, but they don’t break down the numbers. For example, they won’t say if those 703 people were the number arrested in the entire federal Western District of Arkansas, which is about half the state, or only Northwest Arkansas. They also won’t break out the numbers for the Fayetteville Division, which includes Benton, Washington and Madison counties.
“This is the best information we have to offer now,” spokesman Temple Black responded to a request to elaborate on the totals.
Since the number of criminal charges are so few compared to the total number of those arrested, it appears the majority of detainees are deportation cases only.
Criminal charges filed in U.S. District Court in the Fayetteville Division since the task force was formed range from illegal re-entry to being in the country illegally and having a gun to harboring illegal immigrants to drug dealing to using fraudulent immigration documents.
U.S. Attorney Robert Balfe said his office is looking at ways to compile statistics on the cases that are prosecuted. They want to be able to break the numbers down for the various divisions within the Western District and be able to say where the cases originated. For example, they want to be able to say whether a case originated as an ICE task force arrest versus a routine traffic stop, what the charges were and how the case was resolved. Right now that can only be done by tracing each individual case though the system.
The Morning News went through on a case-by-case basis and found that between Sept. 1, 2007, and June 25, 2008, federal prosecutors filed at least 23 felony criminal cases involving immigration-related crimes in the Fayetteville Division. It can’t be determined in some cases if the arrests were made by task force members or other law enforcement officers.
Local sheriff’s offices have deferred to the Feds when asked about 287(g) arrests and state prosecutors have said they don’t track immigration status.
The highest profile case that has gone to court involved the Acambaro Restaurant chain and the Reyes family who operated it.
Despite great fanfare when the businesses were busted and multimillion dollar forfeiture actions, the principle players pleaded in early August to minor criminal charges of knowingly hiring illegal aliens and the family was able to retain ownership of the business by agreeing to pay the government $400,000 in lieu of forfeiting property. Arturo Reyes Jr. and his brother Armando face up to six months in jail, fines for knowingly hiring illegal aliens and deportation for being in the country illegally.
Arturo Reyes’ wife, Silvia, and another employee, Lucilla Huaracha, pleaded guilty to being in the country illegally and face up to six months jail time, fines and deportation.
Sentencing has not been set in the case.
Nineteen others were also arrested in the Dec. 10, 2007, raids, most were being deported, according to a press release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Fort Smith.
Earlier this week federal agents made a major methamphetamine bust resulting in 11 people being indicted by a federal grand jury. Six were from Northwest Arkansas. All were in the country illegally, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Carlos “Flaco” Quiroz, 20; Efrain “Chuy” Estrada-Gomez, 33; Luis “Gordo” Yanez-Martinez, 30, all of Springdale; Saul Alvarez-Sifuentes, 31, of Lowell; and Juan Carillo, 45, and Lucia Carillo, 44, both of Gentry, were each indicted with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of conspiracy to use a communication facility in committing a felony drug offense.
Yanez-Martinez was additionally charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Juan Carillo was additionally charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, and Alvarez-Sifuentes was additionally charged with one count of illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation for a felony drug offense.
All are currently set for trial Dec. 1 in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
Cases Detail Crimes Illegal Immigrants Face
The Morning News looked at immigration-related charges filed in federal court in the Fayetteville Division, which includes Benton, Madison and Washington counties. Results of the case-by-case research show that between Sept. 1, 2007 and June 25, 2008, federal prosecutors filed 12 cases of re-entry by deported aliens; one case of re-entry of an illegal alien who had previously been convicted of a felony; drug charges against at least six illegal immigrants; and gun possession charges against four illegal immigrants.
The majority of arrests of suspected illegal immigrants end up in civil deportation proceedings, which do not appear in federal court records.
Here are examples of how individuals ended up being arrested and how their cases are proceeding or were resolved.
Death Leads To Capture
Roberto Hi-Locortoris, also known as Roberto Carlos Garcia-Vasquez, came to the attention of state and federal authorities after being in a bar fight that left a Springdale real estate agent dead.
Hi-Locortoris, 36, struck Springdale real estate agent Ricarti Bayona, 48, twice in the jaw during the altercation at the Sunset Saloon on Sept. 14, 2007. Bayona collapsed from the two blows, striking his head on the concrete floor when he fell. Bayona died five days later at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale.
Hi-Locortoris, riding a motorcycle, led police on a high-speed chase through parts of Washington and Benton counties, which left cars scattered everywhere. He eventually crashed but escaped on foot evading police dogs and helicopters.
Hi-Locortoris was captured after a chase in Rogers ended when he lost control of his car and stuck a tree. Again Hi-Locortoris fled on foot but was caught by officers using dogs. He told police his name was Roberto Carlos Garcia when arrested.
Hi-Locortoris pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to manslaughter and two counts of fleeing. He was sentenced to 16 years at the Arkansas Department of Correction with eight years suspended.
While in jail, Hi-Locortoris and others ended up in a fight that brought battery charges against him. That sentence ran concurrently with the others.
Federal authorities then charged Hi-Locortoris with being a convicted felon who has illegally re-entered the U.S. That felony occurred in Mississippi in 1996.
In 2001, Hi-Locortoris was convicted in Missouri of being a convicted felon who illegally re-entered the U.S. He was sentenced to 57 months in prison, three years supervised release and told not to drink. He wasn’t deported.
Hi-Locortoris has pleaded guilty to the pending federal charge and will likely be deported again after he is released from prison.
In July, a second man wanted in connection with Bayona’s death, Jesus Garcia, 42, was arrested at the U.S.-Mexican Border near Brownsville, Texas. Garcia was extradited to Arkansas where he is charged with being an accomplice to manslaughter. He is being held at the Washington County Jail pending trial.
Armed and Illegal
Several gunshots rang out the morning of March 1 in Springdale. Police officers arriving on scene at Walnut and Kansas streets were told by witnesses a Hispanic man was firing a handgun in the backyard of a nearby house.
Officers went to the house for a “knock and talk” with the residents. They got permission to search the home and found a .45-caliber pistol hidden in a garbage can.
Victor Benavidez-Montealvo and Martin De la Torre-Rivera, both of Mexico, told police they were drinking, went into the backyard and fired several shots into the air.
Benavidez-Montealvo said his cousin left the gun at his house when the cousin went back to Mexico.
Officers learned both men were in the country illegally and members of a law enforcement immigration task force were called.
The men face federal charges of being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm and deportation.
Benavidez-Montealvo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight months in prison. De la Torre-Rivera pleaded guilty and is await sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Forgotten Gun
Eusebio Matute-Leiva bought his Smith & Wesson .38 from a man he didn’t know in the parking lot of a convenience store for $375, according to court documents.
Matute-Leiva said the “Airweight” hammerless pistol was a very beautiful gun and that’s why he bought it. He said he’d never owned a gun before, according to statements attributed to him in court documents.
In the early hours of Feb. 24, Matute-Leiva was stopped by Springdale police at Old Missouri Road and Robinson Avenue for failing to dim his lights as he met a police car. Matute-Leiva didn’t have a driver’s license and the vehicle identification number on the registration didn’t match the car. Police called a wrecker and had Matute-Leiva wait outside the vehicle on the side of the road.
It was cold Matute-Leiva complained. A police officer asked Matute-Leiva if he had a coat in the vehicle. He did and the officer went to retrieve it for him but immediately noticed the pistol in the coat pocket.
Matute-Leiva said he’d forgotten the gun was there. He was arrested.
Immigration task force members later learned that Matute-Leiva of Honduras was in the country illegally.
Matute-Leiva now faces charges of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and deportation. Matute-Leiva has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Immigrant Felon
Luis Rojas-Ramirez was already a convicted cocaine dealer in California who’d been thrown out of the country once when he again came to the attention of federal immigration officials.
Customs agents were doing what they described as a routine operation with the Arkansas Department of Correction in March. Rojas-Ramirez was in jail on a drug possession charge under the name Guadalupe Rodriguez.
Rojas-Ramirez told immigration officials he’d been deported before and last entered the United States sometime in 2007 by walking across the border near Tijuana.
More digging found that Rojas-Ramirez first came to this country in December 1989 as a permanent legal resident but used the name Guadalupe Quinones-Ramirez. He’d been sentenced to two years in prison in California and deported in December 2001.
Rojas-Ramirez is charged with re-entry of a deported alien felon, and he’ll be deported again. Rojas-Ramirez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 72 months in prison and fined $1,000.
Keeps Coming Back
For Luis Alvarado-Gonzalez, his latest illegal foray into the U.S. ended at a what is described in court documents as a routine May 9 traffic stop in Fayetteville.
Police dogs indicated there may have been drugs in the vehicle driven by Alvarado-Gonzalez but no drugs were found when it was searched. He was subsequently arrested for having a counterfeit driver’s license, speeding, not wearing a seat belt and no proof of insurance.
Three days later an officer trained to use a federal immigration database at the Washington County Jail submitted Alvarado-Gonzalez’s fingerprints and learned he had previously been deported on Oct. 30, 2006, in Tucson, Ariz. He was ordered not to try to come back legally for 10 years from the date of his departure.
During a later interview, Alvarado-Gonzalez told immigration agents he’d also been removed and re-entered the U.S. about Jan. 27, 2008, near Nogales, Ariz.
Alvarado-Gonzalez is in the Washington County Jail. He has pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the country without permission and is awaiting sentencing. He’ll again face deportation after being prosecuted.
Merry Christmas
Alfonzo Garza-Gutierrez had a prior conviction for carrying a concealed firearm, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia in Florida. He was deported July 27, 2005 because of those convictions.
Garza-Gutierrez was in the Washington County Jail the night after Christmas 2007 when immigration task force members ran his name through a federal database and learned he was back in the country illegally.
Garza-Gutierrez of Mexico had been living in Northwest Arkansas under the name Manuel Betancourt-Nunez. He’d crossed the border near Larado, Texas, on Feb. 15, 2007, without permission.
Garza-Gutierrez pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry by a deported alien and was sentenced to 10 months in prison. He’ll be deported again.
Prints Don’t Lie
Elmer Alfonso Murcia-Coronado lied about who he was to Rogers police in December 2007. He’d given them a fake name and date of birth. Police suspected Murcia-Coronado was lying because he was in the country illegally.
When local police couldn’t identify Murcia-Coronado using information he provided, they turned to an immigration task force member who ran Murcia-Coronado’s fingerprints through a national database.
They found that Murcia-Coronado of El Salvador had been deported in Arizona in June 2003. He was back in the country by December 2004.
He’d also been convicted in December 2005 of committing a lewd act on a child in California for which he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Murcia-Coronado said he re-entered the U.S. without permission by swimming across the Rio Grande River near El Paso.
Murcia-Coronado pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by three years supervised release and fined $2,000. The judge said it is assumed Murcia-Coronado will be deported upon release from prison.
Prison To Deportation
Jesus Campos-Gonzalez first came to authorities’ attention as an already deported illegal in September 2006 after he’d been convicted of possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possessing drug paraphernalia in Benton County.
After 18 months at the Arkansas Department of Correction, he was released to federal immigration officials who are prosecuting Campos-Gonzalez for illegal re-entry by a deported alien. He’ll be deported again.
Campos-Gonzalez pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Reader Comments (39 comment(s))
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Gramps wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:32 AM:
" Each and every officer should be trained in how to use the Federal Database for Illegals. It needs to be made mandatory that every stop of a hispanic that the person is run through this database so we can rid NWA of all this scum and vermin that is plagueing our beloved country. Illegals have NO rights whatsoever and should be treated as so. Keep the heat on them and well done for those already caught. Maybe if we had laws where the 3rd time a illegal is caught for re-entry and he is executed, they will stop coming. "
lifer66 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:48 AM:
" Amen,Gramps! I like the way you think. But I prefer execution for the 2nd re-entry. Also, our own government needs to militarize our southern border. Nothing keeps illegal aliens out of the United States like an M-16 slug. I feel bad that I've come to this way of thinking in my life,but illegals,with the tacit support of our own government, have turned me into a bit of a beast on this issue. I'm in favor of anything that works at this point,no matter how harsh. "
tootsie wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:03 AM:
" What about the families of these illegals? Are they deported too or just left here to draw food stamps and whatever they can get? They should take their anchor babies too. The anchor there is a big one around the necks of the American Taxpayer. I say make it where the police can run a check on them. If illegals go round up the family and send them all home to mexico. let them ruin their own country down or march in their own streets for their rights. They have none here. "
91151 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:03 AM:
" tootsie..those that are illegal with family here question? Well, chances are they are illegal also, so deport them along with the one that was arrested. If they are legal family members, I suppose they can live like any other citizen that has a family member sent to prison. I'm sick of hearing about how "poor kids who's mom or dad was deported for being found in this country illegally". I feel bad for these kids so please don't make me out as heartless, but, these kids are no different than those who are legal citizens, as well as their parents and one is sent to prison for live. So, that shouldn't be an argument on whether to deport an illegal. We send legal citizens to prison everyday that have kids left at home.....no different. Break the law, pay the consequences. "
Weenie wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:06 AM:
" Hooray! Lets all hold another illegal concert in Murphy Park this Sunday in Springdale. "
Robb wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:45 AM:
" For years I've said what we need is another branch of the military. We currently have the Army, Navy, Marines and finally, the Coast Guard that patrols our waters. Why not have a military "Border Guard" that would patrol our borders. Incorporate the current Border Patrol as "lifers" and recruit new people for three or four year hitches. Kudos to the Morning News for this article. It brings the issue to the forefront for it's readers. The politicians won't do it. They want the Hispanic votes. "
recross1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:02 AM:
" the bottom line is this,everytime they sentence an illegal to prison and the deport him or her when they get out,they come back and low and behold they commit a worse crime,if they get busted for murder and are here illegally,life without is the only option that should be available.If this was the case they might rethink coming back.
As for the anchors tootsie has spoken of,I agree 100% if they are here illegally then back they go as well if not then if they are on welfare then guess what????Ya aint any more,learn to support your family,usually quite large family or go home its your choice.
We the tax payers are sick and tired of losing our jobs and being denied any help because the country is supporting so many Illegal Mexicans,whether from mexico or honduras or where ever,they all claim to speak no english and speak 1000 diferent dialects of spanish so you are all mexicans.
I am proud to see the law here is stopping the flood.And I hope they continue arresting these illegals untill they decidde it is to dangerous to go to arkansas and move on past,or better yet go back home.And stay there.
They need to make thier own govt change so they can live there.Mexico has just as much natural resourses as we do,learn to make a living there,instaed of just your govt officials.My hats off to the NW ark.law enforcement "
As for the anchors tootsie has spoken of,I agree 100% if they are here illegally then back they go as well if not then if they are on welfare then guess what????Ya aint any more,learn to support your family,usually quite large family or go home its your choice.
We the tax payers are sick and tired of losing our jobs and being denied any help because the country is supporting so many Illegal Mexicans,whether from mexico or honduras or where ever,they all claim to speak no english and speak 1000 diferent dialects of spanish so you are all mexicans.
I am proud to see the law here is stopping the flood.And I hope they continue arresting these illegals untill they decidde it is to dangerous to go to arkansas and move on past,or better yet go back home.And stay there.
They need to make thier own govt change so they can live there.Mexico has just as much natural resourses as we do,learn to make a living there,instaed of just your govt officials.My hats off to the NW ark.law enforcement "
recross1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:04 AM:
" P>S> Gramps,I agree with the 3 strikes your fried law,I think if they get caught twice it should be in effect but if we have to givem 3 strikes,,,so be it,as long as the outcome is the same. "
Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:04 AM:
" WE HAVE BEEN INVADED!!!
SOUTHWEST BORDER APPREHENSIONS (Source DHS/CBP)
1987--1,190,488------1995--1,394,554------2003----905,065
1988--1,008,145------1996--1,649,986------2004--1,139,282
1989----954,243------1997--1,412,953------2005--1,189,108
1990--1,169,939------1998--1,555,776------2006--1,071,972
1991--1,197,875------1999--1,537,000------2007----858,638
1992--1,258,482------2000--1,643,679------2008----660,288 (08/31)
1993--1,327,259------2001--1,235,718
1994--1,094,717------2002----929,809
FACT: In the last 22 years, over 26 million illegals, have been apprehended, crossing our Southwest Border.
THE PROBLEM IS: Less than 1, out of 4 illegals, were estimated to have been apprehended, while crossing the border, into our United States.
Mind boggling, isn't it.
According to the U.S. Immigration Service another 6 million illegals in this country are visa overstays. That is, they got a visa legally in their home country, they came here to visit and then they never left.
In the last 22 years, there have been another 4 million anchor babies born to illegals. Anchor babies are now being born at a rate of 350-400 thousand per year in our United States. All at our expense!!
Then the ANCHOR BABIES qualify for welfare, food stamps, section-8 housing, all at our expense.
American Taxpayers are getting screwed, over, and over, and over, again!!!
Each illegal immigrant, on average, costs taxpayers $9,000 PER YEAR, over, and above, anything they might contribute in taxes!!!
I.C.E. FUGITIVE OPERATIONS PROGRAM
-2003-----2004-----2005-----2006-----2007------2008-------2009
1,900----6.584----7,959---15,462---30,407----33,997---
---------------I.C.E. DEPORTATIONS----------------
---2002-----2003------2004------2005-------2006------2007------2008(ends 9/30)
116,154--145,935--162,014--151,579--185,431--276,912-- 273,291(8/15)
-----------I.C.E. WORKPLACE ARRESTS------------
2002-----2003-----2004-------2005------2006-------2007------2008(ends 9/30)
-510------517-------845--------1296------4383-------4940------5,998*(09/22)
* 1,153 criminal investigations, 4,845 administrative arrests "
SOUTHWEST BORDER APPREHENSIONS (Source DHS/CBP)
1987--1,190,488------1995--1,394,554------2003----905,065
1988--1,008,145------1996--1,649,986------2004--1,139,282
1989----954,243------1997--1,412,953------2005--1,189,108
1990--1,169,939------1998--1,555,776------2006--1,071,972
1991--1,197,875------1999--1,537,000------2007----858,638
1992--1,258,482------2000--1,643,679------2008----660,288 (08/31)
1993--1,327,259------2001--1,235,718
1994--1,094,717------2002----929,809
FACT: In the last 22 years, over 26 million illegals, have been apprehended, crossing our Southwest Border.
THE PROBLEM IS: Less than 1, out of 4 illegals, were estimated to have been apprehended, while crossing the border, into our United States.
Mind boggling, isn't it.
According to the U.S. Immigration Service another 6 million illegals in this country are visa overstays. That is, they got a visa legally in their home country, they came here to visit and then they never left.
In the last 22 years, there have been another 4 million anchor babies born to illegals. Anchor babies are now being born at a rate of 350-400 thousand per year in our United States. All at our expense!!
Then the ANCHOR BABIES qualify for welfare, food stamps, section-8 housing, all at our expense.
American Taxpayers are getting screwed, over, and over, and over, again!!!
Each illegal immigrant, on average, costs taxpayers $9,000 PER YEAR, over, and above, anything they might contribute in taxes!!!
I.C.E. FUGITIVE OPERATIONS PROGRAM
-2003-----2004-----2005-----2006-----2007------2008-------2009
1,900----6.584----7,959---15,462---30,407----33,997---
---------------I.C.E. DEPORTATIONS----------------
---2002-----2003------2004------2005-------2006------2007------2008(ends 9/30)
116,154--145,935--162,014--151,579--185,431--276,912-- 273,291(8/15)
-----------I.C.E. WORKPLACE ARRESTS------------
2002-----2003-----2004-------2005------2006-------2007------2008(ends 9/30)
-510------517-------845--------1296------4383-------4940------5,998*(09/22)
* 1,153 criminal investigations, 4,845 administrative arrests "
Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:05 AM:
" ENFORCE OUR LAWS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!!!
THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY!!!
OUR ACCEPTABLE IMMIGRATION REFORM
#1. Secure Our Borders!!!
#2. Mandate E-Verify for ALL Employees!!!
#3. Mandate E-Verify for ANY Benefit!!!
#4. Stop the Underground Economy!!!
#5. End Birthright Citizenship for Illegals!!!
......and make it retroactive!!!
#6. End Chain Migration!!!
#7. Make English our Official Language!!!
#8. Cut Off Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities!!
NOTHING MORE!!! NOTHING LESS!!! "
THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY!!!
OUR ACCEPTABLE IMMIGRATION REFORM
#1. Secure Our Borders!!!
#2. Mandate E-Verify for ALL Employees!!!
#3. Mandate E-Verify for ANY Benefit!!!
#4. Stop the Underground Economy!!!
#5. End Birthright Citizenship for Illegals!!!
......and make it retroactive!!!
#6. End Chain Migration!!!
#7. Make English our Official Language!!!
#8. Cut Off Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities!!
NOTHING MORE!!! NOTHING LESS!!! "
Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:08 AM:
" Dear Legislators,
Mandate E-Verify for ALL employers, for ALL employees, and for ANY benefit, and the I.C.E. raids, as well as all of the expensive new detention facilities, would not be needed.
The illegals would have to begin leaving of their own accord.
Think of the economic effect of giving the 7 million jobs, that the illegals have illegally obtained, using forged, or stolen documents, back to Americans.
Think of the economic effect of 60 billion more dollars being spent in our United States, rather than being remitted to Mexico, and South America.
Think of the money saved by decreasing I.C.E.'s effort.
Think of it, and then let's do it!!! "
Mandate E-Verify for ALL employers, for ALL employees, and for ANY benefit, and the I.C.E. raids, as well as all of the expensive new detention facilities, would not be needed.
The illegals would have to begin leaving of their own accord.
Think of the economic effect of giving the 7 million jobs, that the illegals have illegally obtained, using forged, or stolen documents, back to Americans.
Think of the economic effect of 60 billion more dollars being spent in our United States, rather than being remitted to Mexico, and South America.
Think of the money saved by decreasing I.C.E.'s effort.
Think of it, and then let's do it!!! "
Kevin H wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:16 AM:
" I'm just glad that something is being done about all the illegals around here. Every time I'm sitting in traffic around here, I look around and can't help but wonder how many of the Hispanics within sight are here illegally, and how many are here with the right to be here? It's gotten to the point of being way beyond control. I don't see how we'll ever be able to reclaim this country from those who are here illegally. They keep on taking and taking all they can get, and our elected political forces sit by doing mostly nothing about it at all. Get hurt and need a little temporary help from the state until you can get back on your feet, don't count on the state of Arkansas to come to your rescue. Born and raised right here in NW Arkansas, lived and worked here most of my 45+ years, with all the money that has been paid in by me or my employers over the years, and they denied me any help or benefits whatsoever. I had an awakening of sorts.....this state has gotten the last dollar of my money period. I am in the process of vacating this state!!!! I won't give them another opportunity to turn their back on me, having the track record that they have. If I were Hispanic they would be bending over backward to help me in any way possible. It's obvious who their loyalty is to. Wake up people!!! "
Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:24 AM:
" 287(g) Facts and Figures
http://www.ice.gov/partners/287g/Section287_g.htm
The program is credited for identifying more than 70,000 (since January 2006) individuals, mostly in jails, who are suspected of being in the country illegally.
There are currently 63 active 287(g) MOAs
More than 840 officers have been trained and certified thru the 287(g) program "
http://www.ice.gov/partners/287g/Section287_g.htm
The program is credited for identifying more than 70,000 (since January 2006) individuals, mostly in jails, who are suspected of being in the country illegally.
There are currently 63 active 287(g) MOAs
More than 840 officers have been trained and certified thru the 287(g) program "
USAF1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:51 AM:
" Buzzm1
I agree with you 100%, I think the 287(g) program is great. We are now having to bail out these banks that were loaning money to illegals, just to make a profit. Look at all the
vacant,abandoned homes in Springdale, Fayetteville,Rogers. Banks were loaning the money to buy the house and than giving them a second mortgage to pay the down payment and closing cose. If you are here illegally all Govenment, State, and County programs should be cut, and no more "FREE RIDES" should be given. Illegals are ruining our health care programs, overcrowding of our schools,and look at the crime rate. My children did not get reduced or free lunches in school, and no interpeter to help them with their school work. "THEY SPOKE ENGLISH". I am not against anyone wanting to make a better life for their family, if they are here legally, but if you sneek across the border, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME. "
I agree with you 100%, I think the 287(g) program is great. We are now having to bail out these banks that were loaning money to illegals, just to make a profit. Look at all the
vacant,abandoned homes in Springdale, Fayetteville,Rogers. Banks were loaning the money to buy the house and than giving them a second mortgage to pay the down payment and closing cose. If you are here illegally all Govenment, State, and County programs should be cut, and no more "FREE RIDES" should be given. Illegals are ruining our health care programs, overcrowding of our schools,and look at the crime rate. My children did not get reduced or free lunches in school, and no interpeter to help them with their school work. "THEY SPOKE ENGLISH". I am not against anyone wanting to make a better life for their family, if they are here legally, but if you sneek across the border, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME. "
greg19670 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 12:23 PM:
" Amazing how this issue dropped off the radar with both pres. candidates. They need the hispanic votes and dont want to tick them off by stating what the majority of voting americans want. Immigration reform.
How many rapes and murders will it take to open our eyes? When they account for 20% of the population yet account for 65% of the major crimes. "
How many rapes and murders will it take to open our eyes? When they account for 20% of the population yet account for 65% of the major crimes. "
masonstorm1958 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 12:45 PM:
" That's because both candidates favor and wish to implement a comprehensive immigration reform to include amnesty for all illegals currently here. If you put them on the spot they will speak in generalities. Though Obama has come out and said that we should be teaching our children Spanish. I have no clue where McCain stands on that comment. Has anybody actually tracked their voting record on any of the issues? I'm not voting for either one of them. My vote and my wife's is going to Ron Paul of Texas. We have the right to vote for anybody we want to and I like this man's ideas and the way he talks. "
91298 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:28 PM:
" Thank you to our law enforcement and Thank you Morning News for allowing us the express our comments. These readers comments are only saying what the rest of NW Arkansas is thinking. Sad thing is that our American English speaking children are paying the huge sacrifice here. Some of the schools in the region have had to lower their teaching standards to allow the Spanish speaking children to play "catch-up". Not fair! "
Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:21 PM:
" 352.1 miles of border fence built
17,327 border patrol agents
87,758 employers enrolled in e-Verify
6.5 million employees checked using e-Verify
1,172 new worksite enforcement investigations
4,956 worksite enforcement administrative arrests
Updated October 8, 2008
http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm "
17,327 border patrol agents
87,758 employers enrolled in e-Verify
6.5 million employees checked using e-Verify
1,172 new worksite enforcement investigations
4,956 worksite enforcement administrative arrests
Updated October 8, 2008
http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm "
borderhawk wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:35 PM:
" All properties caught up in the sub-prime RICO crime spree, should be forfeited and seized as assets from a criminal enterprise, and sold at auction, to recoup the money to the government. I oppose the taxes from my labor going to secure a house for some fool who bought a property he or she could not afford. Theft with representation is not a concept I support. Also the ill-gotten gains that went to those in the real estate and finance industries, should be forfeited and seized as assets from a criminal enterprise, and the perpetrators should serve hard prison time, before being turned out on the streets with suitcase of clothes and $5,000. "
borderhawk wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:58 PM:
" Border Patrol and I.C.E. has primary responsibility in immigration issues, but after decades of government neglect of immigration law enforcement, has created what is best refered to as an invasion -- which is just short of an attempted de facto colonization of the USA. If the situation is viewed as an invaison, then many laws trigger assistance of manpower, from the federal to the local levels, available to respond, until the situation, may be returned to federal oversight. County sheriffs can deputize and form a posse. "
faithfull wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:18 PM:
" YES, This needed to be done and much more work to come. The only way to stop them from coming is to show them this is an unfriendly place for illegals, crime and corruption.. "
sovereignty wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:13 PM:
" at least McCain has publically stated that he will secure the border. obama has not said that he will secure it. as for e-verify, it was just given a 6 month extension. i bet a democratic house, senate and white house will not continue to pass/extend it. plz vote for whomever is on the ballot against sen pryor. he is no friend to we the people ref to illegals- plus he too has taken monies from freddie mac and fannie mae. lincoln too is a koke but she is not up for reelection this year. bush has actually done a good job the last 1-2 years but he waited to long to address the problem. i fear we have lost our country as we have known it... "
BigTex wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:34 PM:
" Obama is rated 8% by the USBC indicating an open boarder stance. "
illegalsout wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:07 AM:
" The great race war is coming my pale complected friends.With Obama in hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later.
Buy your 7.62mm ammo now before the democrats ban it. "
Buy your 7.62mm ammo now before the democrats ban it. "
masonstorm1958 wrote on Oct 20, 2008 11:49 AM:
" It's not about race. It's the clash of cultures and fighting for political power that will propel this nation to tear itself apart from within. I look for that to come to a head when the Hispanics are near gaining the upper hand politcally. My best guess is thirty or forty years down the road. Of course if the Democratic party wishes to,it can happen a lot sooner than that. But first, they will have to find a way to negate our right to own guns or get ammo. Yes, it is coming, butI will not live long enough to be part of it. But my sons will. The wall will not be built. They will open the borders to all. With the Presidency, White House, Congress and the Senate all in Democrats hands, they will be able to do whatever they want with our country. Especially in the Senate if they get a sixty vote filibuster proof majority. That means they can even cut off any debate that threatens their plans. I have no dout they will pack the Supreme Court with more Liberals than they ever had before. Up to four Justice's are expected to retire in the next four years. It is all going to go downhill for America and her citizens. Even Mr. Obama said we should be mandating teaching our kids Spanish. English should be the only language spoken here in our own country. "
wombystar wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:41 PM:
" I am absolutely SICKENED by the outright racism and promotion of violence in this comments section.
Way to prove AR as the most backward state in the union! These commenters should be designated the "illegal" ones. "
Way to prove AR as the most backward state in the union! These commenters should be designated the "illegal" ones. "
illegalsout wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:54 PM:
" Sorry to offend you wombystar.We didn't start the war they did..We are the silent majority.Soon America will tear herself apart like Yugoslavia.
Which side of the fence do you want to be on.I know you like tacos but your culture and race are more important,personally me and my wife are trying to have as many kids as possible.To keep up the anglo- numbers "
Which side of the fence do you want to be on.I know you like tacos but your culture and race are more important,personally me and my wife are trying to have as many kids as possible.To keep up the anglo- numbers "
kyledeb wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:29 PM:
" The comments on this article are appalling. If ICE truly is doing a good thing why do they hide from the public who they are deporting?
It's because they know that if the U.S. Public knew what was going on they'd be appalled by the way humans are being treated in this country under the auspices of "immigration law." "
It's because they know that if the U.S. Public knew what was going on they'd be appalled by the way humans are being treated in this country under the auspices of "immigration law." "
illegalsout wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:28 AM:
" KYLEDEB I Don't care about the human rights of illegal aliens,I can only hope they will dehydrate in the desert,as they backpack in their drugs.
Quit being so soft and naive they only want your money or your daughter.
It's strictly financial with them.
And don't forget they have jumped the que,others more deserving in countries that don't border America are still waiting legally for their turn. "
Quit being so soft and naive they only want your money or your daughter.
It's strictly financial with them.
And don't forget they have jumped the que,others more deserving in countries that don't border America are still waiting legally for their turn. "
swampman wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:52 PM:
" If the FED GOV. doesn't close the borders and I mean close them tight you can send as many as you want home. But there like a bad penny they just keep popping up. Other countries put up fences and stand armed guards in the towers and shot people for what these insects are doing. I don't want people shot I just want law abiding people to come to AMERICA'S aid and though these free loaders out like we pay them to do. "
jessicaisback wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:03 PM:
" I don't see any illegal Canadian or Irish being raided, jailed and deported to the secret concentration camps owned and operated by I.C.E. in Taylor, Texas..what I see is only HISPANICS being raided and jailed..this is Ethnic Cleansing and as far as I know my friends, it is part of the Genocide Crime as per the latest United Nations laws. Hopefully Obama will win and take care of this hate and racism!! "
jessicaisback wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:12 PM:
" Now if I take a look at the North America map from 1776 (year of the Independence) the only thing I see in that map is a large SPANISH territory from the West Coast all the way to Virginia and from the Gulf Coast all the way to the Great Lakes..so I really don't understand your hate against the poor hispanics, they have been here before the yankees. "
Deacon wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:59 AM:
" Jess - - - - What I don't see is any Canadians, Irish, Asians etc. out in the streets protesting for their home country traditions to be inflicked upon the Americans way of life. Making we Americans learn "THEIR" languages so that we might be hired for employment in our own country.
I haven't read ANY stories about them bringing their crime ridden ways to America.
I have read about people from various other countries being deported.
I you weren't so pent up with your own hatred and racism of the American people, perhaps you could see what else is going on in the Great United States of America ! ! ! ! "
I haven't read ANY stories about them bringing their crime ridden ways to America.
I have read about people from various other countries being deported.
I you weren't so pent up with your own hatred and racism of the American people, perhaps you could see what else is going on in the Great United States of America ! ! ! ! "
jessicaisback wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Deacon..this is an ETHNIC CLEANSING, and the hispanics are the only ones targeted !!..hopefully the United Nations is already taking this seriously. "
91151 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:47 PM:
" jessicaisback....because they are the ones committing the majority of crimes. However, so you don't think I'm racist against hispanics, send ALL illegals home, wherever that maybe. Canada, China, England, Germany, Korea, etc. "
masonstorm1958 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:11 AM:
" The so-called United Nations has no authority here whatsoever. Repeat,the UN will not be telling Americans what to do in their own country anytime soon, if ever. "
adabell wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:08 PM:
" An interesting twist on things: An illegal immigrant, Jalamo Rodriguez, a suspected hitman killing Mexican police and multiple murders is being extradited by the Mexican government. However, he is also suspected of murders in the US. He is also convicted of drug charges in the US.
I think they should let him visit with Jessica first, before turning him over to Mexico. "
I think they should let him visit with Jessica first, before turning him over to Mexico. "
Not already registered?
amazed wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:16 PM: