May Day rallies spark renewed immigration debate

Thousands of protesters attended rallies across the country in a renewed effort to
bring illegal immigration reform front and center for the White House. There were no reports of violence, but several arrests had taken place including Illinois Congressman, Luis Gutierrez and 40 others for civil disobedience outside the White House.

In San Diego the number of protesters at two rallies were far less than expected. At Chicano Park roughly 400-500 demonstrators watched the May Day festivities.

One San Diego resident, Leticia Singer said she came out to support the Latino community. “I’m originally from Mexico City, Mexico. I immigrated here legally 25 years ago,” she said. “I’m here to protest the new Arizona law because I think it is unjust.”

Keywords Singer uses are ‘immigrated legally.’ Most Americans don’t have a problem with legal immigration in fact they prefer those seeking to enter the country come through the ‘front door.’

Down the street another rally took place coined the ‘Pro American Rally.” These folks had fewer demonstrators as well as a different opinion on the immigration law in Arizona.

“We all have to do what we can to fight the illegal immigration,” said Lawren Sprague of San Diego. “I used to live in Arizona and they have some difficult issues with human trafficking and drug cartel violence.”

So why did she attend the rally this afternoon? “People need to get off the couch, speak up and use their platforms for citizen advocate rallies,” she said.

Back at Chicano Park, attendees were treated with traditional dancers and music. The crowds waved their Mexican and American flags and signs opposing the tough new immigration law in Arizona.

The Peace and Freedom Party posted this on their website regarding the May Day Rally at Chicano Park; “We are one people standing together against the oppression that is crushing all of us; legalization for all - without conditions; jobs, housing and livable wages for all; fund education and social services; not war; immigration rights for LGBT partners.”

However Congressional candidate, Mason Weaver had this to say about illegal immigration; “it’s okay to break into my house as long as you do the dishes. This is just wrong, come through the front door.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Jay LaSuer who is running for San Diego Sheriff said, “I don’t want anymore hyphen-American. Either you support America 100 percent or find someplace else to call home.”

The Pro-America Rally organizer, Jeff Schwilk said the event went well. “We were able to get our message of legal immigration and pro-enforcement out to those who attended.”

Many of those who contend the Arizona law won’t pass muster once it hits the court system may be in for a surprise, according to Walter Moore an Arizona attorney.

In 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled in United States v. Santana-Garcia, 264 F.3rd 1188, “that state law enforcement officers within the Tenth Circuit ‘have the general authority to investigate and make arrests for violations of federal immigration laws,’ and that federal law as currently written does nothing ‘ to displace . . . state or local authority to arrest individuals violating federal immigration laws.’ On the contrary, the Court said, “federal law ‘evinces a clear invitation from Congress for state and local agencies to participate in the process of enforcing federal immigration laws,’” Moore pointed out.

Also in 2008, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey concluded, in Rojas v. City of New Brunswick, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57974, that, “As a general matter, state and local law enforcement officers are not precluded from enforcing federal statutes. Where state enforcement activities do not impair federal regulatory interests concurrent enforcement activity is authorized. The Court accordingly held that a city and its police department had authority to investigate and arrest people for possible violations of federal immigration laws,” Moore said.

Moore insists there is case after case in courtrooms in a number of states that have upheld local law enforcement’s right to question folks about immigration status during lawful stops.

The nonsense making the airwaves coast to coast that Arizona Police and Sheriff officials will go door-to-door arresting illegal immigrants as they eat dinner are pure propaganda from the left. In fact, Arizona added some amendments to the new legislation to clarify certain aspects of the illegal immigration law.

As the May Day afternoon unfolded approximately 1,000 pro-amnesty protesters marched into downtown to show their angst with America’s lagging efforts when it comes to the immigration reform bill.

However, at the conclusion to the event, two “Pro-American Legal Immigration’ attendees were viciously attacked by the “Pro-Amnesty” supporters. The victims called police and filed a report stating that they were punched in the head and rocks were thrown at them. This was the only report of violence during the afternoon festivities.

One thing is certain the illegal immigration debate is sure to spark passion on both sides of the issue.


For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner