Police policy targets criminal illegal immigrants, but could affect all

By: PAUL EAKINS - Staff Writer | Saturday, March 10, 2007 9:53 PM PST ∞

Escondido Police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers deliver a court gang injunction order to suspected gang members last week.
WALDO NILO Staff Photographer
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ESCONDIDO ---- At the age of 3, Eva was brought to the United States from Mexico, her family illegally crossing the border and settling in Escondido.

For Eva, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Escondido is all she has ever known. She grew up here, graduated from Escondido High School, got a job, and is now raising three children at a house she rents in the Mission Park neighborhood, she said last week.

But she isn't a U.S. citizen. She doesn't even have legal residency.

Yet she and other illegal immigrants like her ---- parents trying to raise families or immigrants who came to the U.S. as children ---- are among those who could face deportation under a new Escondido Police Department policy intended to target the criminal element among illegal immigrants.

Under the new policy, which police Chief Jim Maher presented Wednesday to the City Council, police are moving beyond felonies and serious misdemeanors as the main circumstances in which they always identify violators or check their immigration status.

One major change will be in the way the police handle anyone driving without a license, insurance or registration. Before, the car was impounded, then the violator was cited and released in most cases, Maher said.

Now, suspects without proper identification are detained so they can be identified. By coordinating with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who works out of the Escondido police station, violators who are illegal immigrants also are identified and then can be turned over to immigration authorities for deportation, Maher said.

But Eva said she has to drive to take her children to school and to get to her job at a mailing company. If California law didn't prohibit illegal residents from getting a driver's license, she would get one, she said.

"If I get stopped and they send me to Mexico, what am I going to do?" she said. "I don't know anybody over there. I have my kids here."

Council drawing attention

Some Escondido council members have said they would like to see more immigration enforcement addressed by local police in some form.

Councilman Sam Abed had said before Wednesday's meeting that immigration officers should work with police at traffic checkpoints. And during the meeting, Abed and other council members also discussed the possibility of training Escondido police officers to handle immigration issues under a federal policy called 287(g).

But the council backed away from these ideas under Maher's recommendation and said they were content with the city's current policy, at least for now.

The meeting was the latest in a series in recent months that attracted regional, and occasionally national, media attention.

In October, the council passed a controversial ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. But faced with potentially costly legal challenges to the ordinance, the council announced in December that the city wouldn't enforce the new law.

In January, the council passed a resolution against illegal immigration, although it didn't have the teeth of the rental ordinance in establishing any new law.

The three council members who have led the anti-illegal immigration charge ---- Abed, Marie Waldron and Ed Gallo ---- have been criticized by other council members and residents. However, some residents and anti-illegal immigration groups such as the San Diego Minutemen have supported their efforts.

At Wednesday's meeting, Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, who voted against the previous two immigration-related actions, chastised Abed for giving the city a bad reputation in his description of the city's problems. And she said illegal immigrants aren't to blame for all of the city's crime.

"Immigration is an issue for this country, but it doesn't necessarily have to be 'the' issue for Escondido," Pfeiler said at the meeting that representatives from numerous TV stations and newspapers attended.

During his presentation, Maher noted that of 102 gang members recently cited under a court gang injunction, 22 are not citizens, nine of whom have legal residency.

He said he didn't want immigration officers working with his officers because it would affect the trust the police have built up with some communities.

Maher didn't return phone calls last week seeking clarification of the new policy.

Olga Diaz, owner of a local coffee shop who ran for City Council in November, told the council that its actions are dividing the city.

"Every time you dabble in this federal issue ... you create tension in the community," she said.

However, Escondido resident Tisha Bennett, who also spoke at Wednesday's meeting, said people would have more, not less, confidence in the police if they worked to arrest illegal immigrants.

"Not to do so is an act of betrayal to the citizens of this city and to America," Bennett said.

Mission Park reactions mixed

Residents of the Mission Park neighborhood in central Escondido, which police say has a high crime rate and is an area of concern, had mixed reactions last week to the crime and immigration issues.

The neighborhood is largely Latino and is known gang territory. On many walls and fences in the area, graffiti or the evidence of recently painted-over graffiti can be seen.

Antonio Gaspar, a Guatemalan immigrant who has lived in Escondido for 14 years and for five years at the house he owns on Fig Street, said he feels mostly safe where he lives. But in some of the apartment complexes in the area, crime and gangs are evident, he said.

"Here, I haven't seen anything," Gaspar said in Spanish. "But there, they're always causing problems."

He said he supports the police working with immigration officials to deport illegal immigrants who are gang members or criminals. But he said he wouldn't like to see hardworking families affected, even if they do drive without a license.

"If they take the parents, the children will stay here," he said.

Elwood Oslin, an 81-year-old retired Navy officer and longtime Mission Park resident, said crime has always been an issue in the neighborhood.

"I've been here 40 years," Oslin said. "There hasn't been a house here that hasn't been burglarized or broken into over the years."

He attributed the crime in part to illegal immigrants, and said he supports the police doing more to arrest and deport them.

"If there's any question (about a person's immigration status), I think it should be investigated," Oslin said. ... "I wish the police had more authority."

Jim Zahr, owner of the Korner Market at Pennsylvania Avenue and Hickory Street, said that although the area has some crime, it has improved in recent years. And while he supports the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, he said, not all illegal immigrants are a threat to the community.

"Most of the people that live over here are very hardworking people," he said. "Most of them comply with the law."

Working with the feds

But as far as the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement is concerned, anyone living illegally in the United States could face deportation, said Lauren Mack, spokeswoman for the agency in San Diego.

First and foremost, though, the agency wants to deport criminals, which has been the focus of Escondido's council and police department as well.

While immigration agents work at the San Diego and Vista jails to identify and detain illegal immigrants among the offenders there, Escondido is the only city in the county with an immigration agent at its police headquarters, Mack said.

Immigration agents often work with cities in gang task forces or on large operations, such as prostitution sweeps.

"When we're there with them, if there is any kind of illegal immigration surrounding that activity, we're able to connect the dots immediately," Mack said.

The agency hasn't had any requests in San Diego County for its agents to work more regularly with police in operations such as traffic checkpoints, she said.

However, in California and nationally, more local law enforcement agencies want to train their officers to handle immigration issues, Mack said.

"We have seen an increasing interest from local and state law enforcement agencies around the country to sign up for training and authorities under 287(g)," she said.

If the Escondido police step up their efforts to identify illegal immigrants, the immigration agency will work with them, Mack said.

"Anybody who's an immigration violator, we want to hold," she said. "And if we can find out about them through the criminal arena, especially in the jails, we want to deport them."

Contact staff writer Paul Eakins at (760) 740-5420 or peakins@nctimes.com.

77 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

Jayson wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:54 PM:Correct me if I am wrong, but Miss "Eva", the woman described in the first paragraph, apparently has not one, not two, but three "anchor babies" who qualify for US citizenship, right? How likely is it that she will be deported? How about NIL....

TO Eva in the article wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:01 PM:Eva, I truly sympathize with you, but what is stopping you from getting your citizenship now. Are you planning on staying illegal. You have 3 children probably born in the US. I'm sure you have had plenty of time to apply since you turned 18. You have no excuse for not applying. Why haven't your parents applied if you have been here for 15 before you turned 18. Apply or get set back its that simple.

mots wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:09 PM:send them all back. come here legally and you are wecome.

Officer wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:13 PM:I am a Police Officer in a North County city and I deal with this issue almost daily. The number of illegal immigrants driving unlicensed and uninsured is of legitimate concern. In some areas I work it's difficult to stop someone who actually has a valid license. Most of the hit-and-run drivers I catch are unlicensed. With that said, I have mixed emotions about Police enforcing immigration laws for driving infractions. Our country turns a blind eye and lets people in, then does not allow them to get driver's licenses. But, they are allowed to register and insure their vehicles. We impound their vehicles because they don't have a license (which we won't let them get), make a lot of money from the fees, then release it back to them.

US Citizen wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:59 PM:Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler is spineless in many issues besides this one, so, this doesn't surprise me. She is the one, as mayor, who is an embarrassment and giving the city a bad reputation. As for Eva, you have admitted to breaking our laws. Thus, you would have no problem continuing to teach you children to also break our laws. Prime example of what Escondido is attempting to clean up.

COME ON NCT wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:36 AM:Being in the country for years excuses the fact that they came here illegally? Deport them all, Im sick of the sob stories.

Escondeeter wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:45 AM:Paul apparently didn't hear the part of the Chief's presentation where he said that those detained for having no documents and subsequently identified as aliens would be turned over to ICE only IF they had warrants for serious crimes, or had re-entered after deportation. Unless one of those circumstances applies to Eva, this story appears to be more of a reporter invention than a real possibility.

Seriously jaded wrote on Mar 11, 2007 4:42 AM:Although I still obey the laws I have increasingly less respect. At a recent visit to city hall in Escondido, I expressed my opinion - if you can't beat them, join them. Code enforcement? What code enforcement? The registration on my car had lapsed and I felt no rush to make it right. The mayor and police might want to consider that and hope that any other former 'goody 2 shoes' don't feel the same way. I care less and less with every sign that laws now are not respected and are a matter of pure fickleness. As the old chant used to go - 'everybody's doin' it, doin' it, doin' it...'

Randy wrote on Mar 11, 2007 5:56 AM:Marie Waldron would have us treat illegal immigrants just like Hitler treated the Jews!

fedup wrote on Mar 11, 2007 7:38 AM:Paul Eakins needs to put the correct title on his headline and in the article....ILLEGAL ALIENS, not immigrants! All of the ILLEGALS and their ILLEGAL kids need to be dealt with by deportation, since the best way to get rid of them would have been to ensure no place to rent, no place to work like the Hazelton PA city law would have resulted in. But of course, the friggn ACLUA just can't remember that the first letter in their name stands for AMERICAN, not ILLEGAL. Randy, what are you talking about? Marie is only attempting to deal with a very real problem!

And wrote on Mar 11, 2007 8:41 AM:To the point of the analogy of — Hitler treatment of the Jews — I could also say this is just like the treatment of the Palestinians that the Israel state mandates.

Eva is Doing Our Dirty Work wrote on Mar 11, 2007 9:04 AM:Sounds like she has your basic "hard work, low pay" job, that no american wants to do. I am told that the kids in the Mid-west do not want to do the work they used to do, immigrants are doing it. Kids today want 15 dollars an hour sitting on their butts so they can buy Ipods, new cars and other imported chinese junk. We are creating a job market for immigrants, and we want to complain?

Harsh Reality wrote on Mar 11, 2007 9:28 AM:It is sad that her parents did this to her, but I believe Eva should move her family to Mexico without the trauma of forced deportation. If she chooses to apply for a visa from Mexico that would be fine. Hopefully Congress can address the immigration laws to make the legal alternative more of a reality, but in the meantime if she loves her kids she should move the family to Mexico.

Robert24 wrote on Mar 11, 2007 9:28 AM:"Police policy targets criminal illegal immigrants, but could affect all". It will only affect me by having less congestion on our roads, less waiting at the hospital, and lees crime in the city. I'll take all of that kind of "affecting" I can get! Sorry, Eva, illegal is illegal. I feel sorry for your children that because you chose to remain illegal, they now may have to deal with this. Very irresponsible on your part.

jay wrote on Mar 11, 2007 9:33 AM:If you're here illegally, you're a criminal. Crossing the border illegally is a crime,otherwise it wouldn't be called "illegal". Now for some illegal aliens that is the only crime they have committed while others have committed many more but to say an illegal alien that only crossed the border illegally isn't a criminal isn't accurate. They are.

cricket wrote on Mar 11, 2007 9:50 AM:stop the hate cementarys do not dicriminate .you harvest what you plant.and god has the final words with you.carma is a bad thing just remember god will make you pay.with your wife,kids,dogs,family members.and then you will say "o god why me "why because of your actions to your brothers.so let the people do the best they can to raise there familys .they are not criminals being ileagal doesn'tmean you are one.trying to drive your kids to school for a better education is not bad .ask yourself how many illegals are fighting in IRAK WRIGHT NOW.and dying why are they not deported.only our weak not english speaking people on the streets of escondido.PEOPLE STOP THE HATE. REMEMBER ACTIONS YOU DO CATCH UP TO YOU SOONER OR LATER. THANKS.

Read you history wrote on Mar 11, 2007 10:08 AM:Randy, Hitler! that is nuts. Hitler forced people to stay in Germany, as they were desperatly trying to flee. He murdered and tortured people. That is a insult to our laws and law enforcement agents. We will give illegals food and a free ride home. The Mexican government (Bush's friends)is corrupt so why aren't these pro illegal protesters over there waving the Mexican flag and demanding a better life for their Citizens.

i dont feel sorry for her at all wrote on Mar 11, 2007 10:10 AM:just being in the country illegally is a crime and those illegals who are stopped with no licenses, registration, what ever the case may be, are criminals and should be handed over to ice because there illegal. every illegal here is a criminal according to our laws which is why they will always be called illegals. illegals give legal immigrants a bad name and the illegals only destroy cities and states like a tornado does. i dont feel sorry for eva just because she decided to illegally enter our country, have 3 kids thinking it was going to help her get citizenship and free felfare, live here for that long and not care to apply for u.s. citizenship like a normal human does. eva is an illegal plain and simple and should not be treated any other way. i love this countery and hate to see illegals destroying the american culture, its sad but at least were starting to raid companies and slowly get rid of this cancer on our society. if our government doesnt do something soon to stop illegals from coming here, there will be a civil war.

augusto wrote on Mar 11, 2007 10:57 AM:illegals are people too respect them dont scare them like you they also need to live were all childrens of god those who are against illegals go to church and pray to god to change your negative mind im sure he will foregive you you are only human

Pat March 11th wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:15 AM:Where is the father of Eva's children? Is he also illegal or is he in jail? Eva may be a hardworking mother of 3 trying to get by and support 3 children with a low paying job, but I assure you our taxes foot the bill for health care for those children.

Roberto wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:15 AM:Sorry Eva...maybe you should blame your parents for putting you in this position. But it sounds like you have no respect for our laws either or for the legal citizens you put in peril driving without a license or insurance. So I would suggest that you start learning more about you country of origin and get ready for the trip. Policies like this are policies that all U.S. cities should adopt.

pablo wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:23 AM:Paul should do a more in-dept report. I would like to know how one ICE agent can handle Escondido if, as the chief said, he can only detain a suspect two hours and one agent covers at best 40 hours a week less sick, vacation and personal absences? 24/7 is 168 hours a week. Exactly how many of those cited at the traffic stops answer the citation and how many don't? What are the disadvantages to Escondido to having several officers cross-trained under 287(g)?

Ex-condidan wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:23 AM:Eva has had how many years to become a citizen. Contrary to popular belief, the United States does allow persons to become citizens.Eva has known that she is not a citizen for some time now, and has put this on her family herself.It is time people realize what can happen when you place yourself in this kind of situation. It is solely on the lawbreaker, not the police or Escondido City Council. Don't back down Maher, don't back down citizens of Escondido.The rest of the country is behind you.

Kate wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:24 AM:We need media, like this newspaper and its reporters, to be honest in their reporting, to present BOTH sides of the illegal immigration issue, not just sob stories on illegal immigrants being caught in raids, etc. The media has been frightfully ignorant and absent on the true costs of illegal immigration in the US, and thus have been party to misleading the American public.

Syl wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:28 AM:In California, driving is not a right, it is a privilege. Just because there are millions of people here who broke our laws, does not mean the laws have to be changed for them. Illegal Aliens are not eligible to get driver's license in the state of California. End of Story.

To : Eva is Doing Our Dirty Work wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:33 AM:Sounds like Eva is getting welfare, WIC and a 10 thousand dollar a year educations for each of her three kids. I will even be willing to bet that with earned income credit she also pays no taxes. Don't forget lifeline for her phone, low income subsidies for her gas and electric and free lunch and breakfast at the public schools for all of her children. All of this at taxpayer expense. I really hope at least her children have learned to speak English.

to i dont fell sorry wrote on Mar 11, 2007 11:56 AM:I dont think Eva was old enough to choose to come here, re read her story!

Taxpayer wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:35 PM:Eva is a perfect example of why we need to avoid amnesty for illegals. It is not just the first generation of illegals that we support, but also the children and grandchildren that drain our resources. When we will we wise up and start getting strict with illegals.

NCLT wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:42 PM:The North County Times should change its name to the "North County Liberal Times". The left-wing slant, demonstrated by this article, is becoming the norm for what used to be a balanced newspaper. What a shame that we are denied objective reporting.

Adam wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:49 PM:Stories like this one about Eva will flood the newspapers, and TV News, more and more now that there is a push for Amnesty for All.

Hidalgo wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:56 PM:Escondido was part of Mexico before the United States conquered it. The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo enforced that conquest. So, perhaps the Mexicans that are here "illegaly" are, to be fair, legal residents. Maybe the intruders are the Okies and the Arkies who came here to pick fruit during the 30's. Dust bowl refugees, Mexicans looking for work ~ what's the difference?

Robert wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:58 PM:What about her husband? She could get citizenship through him. Oh the story made no mention of a husband did it? Can you say Welfare Case? At least if she went back to Mexico, the mexican Government would take care of her. Yeah Right!

American woman wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:05 PM: 'Jay,' you are not considering the fact that as an illegal alien, the border crossing is only the BEGINNING of criminal actions by illegal aliens! They are here illegally. Then they illegally obtain an i.d. of one kind or another. They go to the Mexican Consulate and buy a Matricula Consular card, only needed by illegals. Mexico itself, will not accept this unsecured form of i.d. in their own country! They often buy fake driver's licenses, fake green cards and steal SS#'s. Think about it! Every time an i.a. uses a fake/stolen SS#, U.S. law is broken. B of A can't shut up about extending credit to illegal aliens! When the i.a. gets his/her credit card, every time he/she uses it, a crime is perpetrated. Every time a fake green card is used successfully, it's another crime. There is no end to the criminal charges that can be made, once an illegal alien is up and running in America! BTW, all the banks are giving these folks credit...B of A is just ignorant enough to anger us taxpayers by announcing their policies to the world.

mexican wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:13 PM:for get all the haters and good job to eva and other illegal immigrants.

Ingrid wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:23 PM:With the NCT writing so many stories such as this one lately I am thinking it is for one of two reasons. Either the NCT wants to have all ten stories in the "Most Commented Section" to be on Illegal Immigration, or Amnesty for All is right around the corner. Right now 5 of 10 stories are on Illegal Immigration and there would be two more if the WebPages were working properly.

To : Eva is Doing Our Dirty Work wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:51 PM:What kind of dirty work is that? The story made no mention of picking lettuce, slaughtering hogs, digging ditches, washing dishes, or cleaning toilets.

Border Crossing Requirements wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:59 PM:All the years I entered through the TJ Border crossing, I like millions of others simply walked through the border crossing gates. Reentry into the USA after a days shopping in TJ did not require any paper ID. Identical "No ID Paperwork" cross to the USA courtesy visits were granted to our South of the Border Neighbors. What type of monitoring system was in place to insure that they returned to Baja CA. at days end?

El Jefe wrote on Mar 11, 2007 2:34 PM:No one who continues to live a lie is totally innocent! There is obviously more to this story than what this writer chose to tell us here & it appears you selectively hold back facts that might give us a more complete picture of the individual in your example. Is each child from the same father? Where is the father? Is the father also illegal? Is Eva on welfare? Is Eva legally married to the father(s) of her children? How long does she plan to continue playing the helpless game? Has she made any effort to obtain legal status?

To Agosto wrote on Mar 11, 2007 2:58 PM:Illegal Aliens are Illegal. They are Criminals and should be treated as such. Send ALL these Criminals back to their Homeland! We do not want these Criminals hers.

Heady wrote on Mar 11, 2007 2:59 PM:Where, oh where! is our federal 'government' in all of this strife? And when mexico fails to repay our loan to it of 100 billion US Dollars, $100,000,000,000; and then makes a run on our banking system--What will become of those illegals and others, even us citizens, then??

Rudy wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:00 PM:God loves the persons. But illegality needs to be accounted for. No Amnesty!

Mike wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:28 PM:It's comforting to know they're only targeting the criminal illegals, and not merely the illegal illegals ('cause that would, apparently, destroy the public's trust in the police). These bleeding heart stories are rapidly replacing the comics for a good laugh. Keep it up.

NCT wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:58 PM:Supports illegals because the illegals work at their printing warehouses and wrapptheir papers. They would go out of business if they lost are their illegals help.

Randy wrote on Mar 11, 2007 4:03 PM:They have been illegal since the Reagan administration, but the Federal government has turned a blind eye toward them. They are illegal according to Federal law. If the Federal government chooses NOT to enforce the law, that is their decision. However, the State government, or State agencies such as cities, do not have jurisdiction to enforce Federal law.

to all you bigots wrote on Mar 11, 2007 5:19 PM:These are human beings. Wake up and find some humanity. You sicken me.

Yankee doodle dandy wrote on Mar 11, 2007 5:27 PM:Legal Americans are enjoying the accident of their birth. Some talk as if where their mother happened to drop them makes them special and better than some one born a few mile south of the border. If all you have to your credit is the accident of birth...you really don't have much; maybe that is what makes people so adamant about it.

Hidalgo wrote on Mar 11, 2007 5:47 PM:Why so much fuss about Mexican "illegals" when less than half of undocumented immigrants are from Mexico. The rest are from mainly Canada and England. Why no fuss about them? They are white Anglos is why. It's pure racism. I tell you soon the Mexican population in California will be over 50% and then we will control things, not the Gringos! Back to the Dust Bowl muchachos.

WOW wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:34 PM:Hey Yankee Doodle - Although I feel fortunate to be born in America, the reason I feel so "adamant" about illegal immigration is this - my grandfathers fought and died for this country - my father fought and died for this country - and hundreds of thousands of Americans have died defending our right to be a free and sovereign nation. As such, we have the right to impose laws that govern who immigrates into our country. I am very sorry that the Mexican people cannot elect a government that will attempt to turn their country into a world power instead of allowing corrupt officials to control a majority of the country's wealth. That does not mean that the U.S. should be able to absorb the millions of people flooding across our borders draining public resources that are not equipped to handle the volume of people who are not accounted for. We as a country have worked hard for what we have - do not dismiss it as luck - we have also attempted to help our neighbors as well as those around the world.

Free Labor wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:36 PM:Let the farm owners, small business contractors and large corporations pay for their labor. If we really could prevent one penny being spent on any social service or so called "entitlement" program. If American taxpayers weren't being asked to subsidize the cheap labor supply for corporations--this issue would disappear.

BURRITO EATA wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:46 PM:I EAT BURRITOS. Eat PIzza and you are not illegal. Go Italy! viva france. Long live the MEXICAN DRUG CARTEL. NUMBA ONE IMPORT FROM MEXICO: DRUGS. NUMBA TWO: ILLEGALS WITH DRUGS. SMOKE MORE DOPE, FORGET YOUR NATION. BRAINWASHING IS HERE AMERICA.

Hey Hidalgo wrote on Mar 11, 2007 7:00 PM:If, as you say: "...less (sic) than half of undocumented immigrants are from Mexico. The rest are from mainly Canada and England.", how are we ever going to get to: "...soon the Mexican population in California will be over 50%..."? It's not that I'm a racist, It's just mathamatically impossible (don't take my word for it, ask anybody who has graduated from grade school). Gracias amoeba.

Ex-condidan wrote on Mar 11, 2007 8:17 PM:Hidalgo is showing his true colors, and they are not red, white and blue.Canada/Britian take care of their people unlike Mexico and it's corruption. Read your history and you will see Mexico had no control over upper California.There was nothing here for them to want. This paradise was built by hard working Americans. Spanish, like Cabrillo came and slaughtered the Indians. If it were not for Manifest Destiny, Hildalgo would be still squatting in the dirt digging roots, looking up in the sky and seeing satellites pass over his head and worshiping them like gods.

This is ridiculous wrote on Mar 11, 2007 10:50 PM:This whole thing boils down to breaking the law. The word illegal means just that, illegal. This country was built on immigrants, however those immigrants came here, respected our laws and our flag our language, and other peoples property. If you really want to be a legal citizen of the US, you will go through the proper channels to do it. Breaking one law such as crossing the border illegally just leads to more crimes, such as driving without a license, and insurance, and working without paying any taxes. As far as the Mexican people controlling things as Hidalgo wrote, that would be pretty hard to do, when all of the rest of us leave and take all our hospitals, welfare, WIC, businesses, Free education and free breakfasts and lunches. Oh yeah, you can control your 99cent stores, check cashing places and taco shops. Cricket, since your so sympathetic to Eva driving around without a license, are you going to pay for all the cars she hits without insurance? I thought not. OH and by the way, you have to be a legal citizen to be in our military, so when I asked myself how many illegals are losing their life in Iraq, I counted NONE. If anyone here illegally wants to become a citizen, get in line.

Hidalgo wrote on Mar 12, 2007 12:25 AM:Hey math flunder guy. Not to forget math flunker guy we are talking about American citizens of Mexican heritage who now make up about 30% of the population of California. You apparently can't make the mental leap from one group to the other. Maybe your problem is comprehension math flunker guy. The voting Mexicans in California will soon be over 50% and then math flunker guy and all the other redneck hillbillies will be on their way to the Ozarks or wherever you drifted in here from. That's it Zeek. Comprende? Probably you don't.

anotherview wrote on Mar 12, 2007 1:30 AM:America can free itself of illegal aliens. Every other modern country, including Mexico, controls who lives and works in the country. America must follow suit. Ridding America of illegal aliens, however, requires a nationwide effort, with two main parts. One, the U. S. Congress working with the President must enact a law, with teeth, prohibiting employers from hiring illegal aliens. Two, the same leadership must say no to amnesty for illegal aliens. Without the prospect of either a job or an amnesty, the illegal aliens will tend to self-deport (at their own expense), and the foreign nationals will tend not to migrate illegally to this country. Overall, enforcing the laws against illegal immigration will send a message to foreign nationals that when caught here illegally, they will face swift deportation, along with the obvious consequences. In time, benefits will accrue to America. For example, according to one newspaper report, criminal illegal aliens make up 20% of the illegal alien population. Criminal illegal aliens join criminal street gangs, worsening this social evil. America already has enough criminals. Less illegal immigration means fewer criminal illegal aliens. As another example, the State of California annually spends $400 million on illegal alien mothers giving birth. The state budget presently suffers from an operating deficit, only ballooned by this outlay. Less illegal immigration will ease budget pressures. As a final example, at the federal level and at the state and local levels, operating budgets must address the host of other negative social, economic, and political impacts fostered by the presence of illegal aliens. The nationwide effort to remove illegal aliens will mitigate these various negative impacts. On the positive side, jobs will open for Americans. After all, without the availability of illegal aliens, employers will have to turn to citizens to do the work illegal aliens now do. Employers will adjust by paying higher wages, improving benefits, and providing better working conditions. The axiom of supply and demand will force employers to do so. America can get along fine without illegal aliens, and will prosper all the more.

MVet wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:48 AM:There is only one way to reduce the flow of Illegal Aliens into Escondido, and that is too cut off the Gravy Train. No driving without a license, any free education, and restrictions on owning and renting housing. Escondido is a popular destination for San Diego County Illegal Aliens because it is centrally located and the Illegals already have a good toehold in the city. The question will soon be if it were to be best to dived Escondido into two separate cites: Escondido and Barrio Escondido. How is that for being divisive? On one side would be the American middle class and on the other would be a Spanish speaking zone where everyone can park their cars on the grass, not have driver's license, and live 4 families to an house or an apartment. Gangs can come and go and territorial graffiti would be recognized. Or has that already happened?

Jean wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:51 AM:I admire and respect Marie Waldron. She, and others on her council, like Sam Abed, are trying to hard to take care of their city. And to think they are doing this in Escondido which is surrounded by sanctuary cities. I once emailed her and she responded simply: "We just want our laws enforced." Imagine that? What a concept eh? It's so easy here to just go along and do the feel-good-look-the-other-way approach so many elected officials do but Marie Waldron is a strong outspoken person and I wish her sincere luck

Stop the Raids and Deportations! wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:55 AM:Amnesty Now! Bring the Troops Home NOW!

Calm Down Hidalgo wrote on Mar 12, 2007 10:01 AM:It would appear that "math flunker guy" is not questioning demographics, but rather your unfounded assertion that the majority of illegal aliens "are from mainly Canada and England". Were this true (as it certainly is not) the influx of illegal aliens would not lift the Mexican poulation of California from 30% to 50%.

Hidalgo wrote on Mar 12, 2007 10:26 AM:This economy would collapse if Hispanic immigrants were deported. They do the landscaping, do janitorial work, drive bobtail trucks, work in the fields, cook in all the restaurants, act as nannies, hang dry wall and anything else you can think of that Gringos are too lazy to do. Even Bush is pushing for amnesty and so are many others. Remember the bracero program which was so successful! AMNESTY NOW!! We are proud of our heritage. VIVA MEXICO!!

RJ wrote on Mar 12, 2007 12:56 PM:I am offended by the derogatory label of "gringo"; I am also offended by the sweeping generalization that gringos are lazy. "VIVA MEXICO!!" if Mexico is so great then why are people fleeing the corrupt and unjust social structure in droves and seeking the protection of the glorious US constitution?

To Senor Hidalgo wrote on Mar 12, 2007 2:50 PM:What if the population of California is over 30% Mexican? Just because we are of Mexican descent that does not mean we support illegal immigration. I tend to notice that the Mexicans that have been here for years legally, as our grandparents came her in the early 1900's do not have the mentality of the illegals or their anchor babies. We were taught to be respectful of this country they made their new home. They left Mexico for a reason. As 2nd and 3rd generations are being born,they are only 50% Mexican heritage. My family is probably one of the largest in North County and the ones that are only 1/2 Mexican still put Hispanic on documents. We also have many members in our family from what you call the "Ozarks". My legal family also does landscaping, janitorial work and construction work. Don't assume all Mexicans of Mexican descent think like you. As for Viva Mexico, why are you here. I for one prefer to live in a country I love. What is your excuse??

To: Hidalgo wrote on Mar 12, 2007 3:28 PM:Re: drive bobtail trucks >>> If you are refering to illegals Aliens, then for them to drive is ILLEGAL! That is the whole point! Once they start breaking laws by coming here, then what are a few more laws to break if it suits their needs. That is why people are stealing social security numbers and identifications. The American public is being put at unneccessary risk by letting millions of Illegal Aliens sneak over our borders. When was the last time an Illegal Alien was properly screened for criminal background or medical diseases?

rossi wrote on Mar 12, 2007 7:09 PM:No more sob stories. ILLEGAL is illegal. You break our laws then want us to cater to all of you. You won't even learn our language. Just suck our systems dry. We Americans and taxpayer's owe none of you anything. Get it thru your heads. Move on. You wave your flags so proudly. Then go back to Mexico. This country is tired of paying for all of you......

Adam wrote on Mar 12, 2007 9:03 PM:As millions of illegals import themselves into the United States, they bring diseases. They rarely change their sanitation habits or lack thereof. Many have never been vaccinated or immunized for diseases thought to be eradicated from the United States. Illegal aliens by the millions work in our restaurants, and food processing plants. That ensures pockets of poverty and disease already ravaging millions in third world countries, is being transplanted into America.

Syl wrote on Mar 12, 2007 9:12 PM:RE: This economy would collapse if Hispanic immigrants (Illegal Aliens) were deported. >>> Illegal aliens are NOT critical to the economy. Illegal aliens constitute less than 5% of the workforce. However, they reduce wages and benefits for lawful U.S. residents.

RJ wrote on Mar 12, 2007 10:34 PM:I'm sure the USA doesn't have enough legal residents willing to drive a bobtail truck for $15.00 an hour...

SAFETY CHECKPOINT wrote on Mar 13, 2007 11:16 AM:Last month in 6 hours our PD impounded 75 vehicles from unlicensed drivers. Many were brand new high end vehicles with paper plates not just junkers. Drivers were white, asian, black and hispanic, young to senior citizens. We provide equal opportunity to cite and tow your car IF you drive unlicensed and with warrants for your arrest.

JB wrote on Mar 13, 2007 1:01 PM:Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know if Eva has ever taken the time to explain the concept of legal and illegal to her kids. What has stopped her from getting legal status since she's been in the US for so long?

ss wrote on Mar 13, 2007 4:24 PM:This is America. And there are people who want to come here legally. They go through tons of paper work and interviews and it takes them time to get here, THEY deserve to be here. Not those of you who came here illegally!! You make it harder for the people who are responseable enough to do it the legal way. Eva,I feel for the children you have, but you should have thought of that before you had them. and before you decided to stay here illegally.

Tennesse having problems with gangs! wrote on Mar 14, 2007 7:52 PM:Tonight the Tennessee Highway Patrol is following in the footsteps of the Davidson County Sheriff's Department. They want to gain access to the same federal database to investigate undocumented immigrants who are perpetrators of other crimes.

To Yankee Doodle wrote on Mar 15, 2007 1:18 AM:I am an american by birth or that accident you speak of...but my Dad came here legally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and I am special, I am an American.

US citizen wrote on Mar 20, 2007 11:31 AM:Im glad to see racisim is alive and well. My wife is in the same situation as the girl mentioned. Guess what? despite of whatever any of you think, we get tax payer money from the state becuase you fail to resolve an issue. Maybe you should be deported for buying chinnese goods?. You refuse to aknowledge thats theres more depth to what is going on then how your farts smell and how good you look when your surrounded by people who look like yourself. I would love to see how people treat you when you move into beverly hills with your amount of money?. Or how about living in south central?. You know nothing of resolving issues, just making them worse. Go live somewhere where you comfortablea and be afriad, because the world is very BIG place.

Chuck wrote on Mar 21, 2007 3:14 AM:How long has she been here and she is still illegal?? Ya this way she doesnt have to pay taxes and gets free aid. She should of thought about this before she had her children, as far as im concerned they are illegal to.

Maybe learn to read? wrote on Jul 14, 2007 2:32 PM:It clearly said in the news story that she was brought to the U.S when she was three years old. I really don't think that Eva had a say in what her parents did, back then. Why should she go back to Mexico? She probably knows nothing about it or anyone, there. I think her kids deserve a better life, then one she'd expect to get in her home country. I do think that she should try and go down the road to legal citizenship. Go for it Eva!! As for the many "posters" of this message board, maybe you should go back to school. You sure can't seem to read, spell, or even find the spell check. As for the rest, get over yourselves, human beings aren't aliens or illegal. God does not discriminate,and does not punish those who are looking to better their lives.

SUE wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:46 PM:I THINK ALL THOSE WHO THINK "EVA" SHOULD GO BACK TO MEXICO HAVE TO THINK FIRST IF THEY'D LIKE THAT TO HAPPEN TO THEM,"EVA" IS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES EVEN IF THE LAWS DON'T SAY SO. I THINK OUR GOVERMENT HAS TO LEGALIZE THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAMILIES HERE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THIS COUNTRY, LATINOS TAKE JOBS IN WHICH THEY ARE PAID THE LOWEST OF ALL WAGES AND THAT "CITIZENS" WOULD NEVER TAKE. TO DEPORT ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IS NOT AN OPTION....THEY ARE 12 MILLION!!!!OR EVEN MORE BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY HIDDEN..TRY TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ALREADY ARE PART OF THIS COUNTRY AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, EVERY DAY THERE IS MORE OF US(LATINOS) YOU CAN'T JUST TRY TO ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!!!.

LET'S NOT BE IGNORANT. wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:50 PM:I CONSIDER "EVA" A CITIZEN BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN LIVING HERE FOR SUCH A LONG A TIME...AND HER CHILDREN ARE CITIZENS TOO..PEOPLE HAVE TO KNOW THAT UNTIL THE AGE OF 21 YOU CAN'T GIVE LEGAL RESIDENCY TO YOUR PARENTS SO "EVA" YOU CAN WAIT UNTIL THEY TURN THAT AGE OR TRY TO START A NEW CASE. I AM WITH YOU AND UNDERSTAND YOUR POSITION I HAVE TONSSSS OF FRIENDS WHO LIVE HERE ILLEGALLY.

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