football fan wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:30 AM:Hey flores (your name doesn't deserve to be CAPITALIZED)why don't you back an issue that has a spine like keeping LEGAL latino residents off Meth and out of gangs instead of fighting for illegals. Maybe then you will earn some respect in the REAL WORLD. ...

Escondodo wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:52 AM:The only reason illegal activists like Flores feel that they have a valid argument here is that Escondido has gained a reputation for being a safe haven for all illegal activities. We have been way beyond tolerant. Now we dare prove that we are not the illegals' codependents and will be proactive in attacking the issue. Flores can move his sideshow to another city. Our resources are stretched far enough dealing with our homegrown criminal element.

devastated wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:33 AM:Way to go Officer Whitaker! Out of all the checkpoints in 2007 only 6 illegal immigrants were deported. How can anyone call this racist? The number of people out there driving without a valid drivers license is incredible. Look at the hit and run crimes in Escondido, .... my husband was killed by one of them. is someone's life not more important that being deported?

To Escondido Police wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:09 AM:Keep up the good work. I for one, support this. It is too bad you are unable to round up the non criminal illegal aliens for they too broke our laws "sneaking" into our country. The checkpoints seem to be working. Keep us safe by keeping all unlicensed and drunk drivers off the roads. It is not racist to enforce laws.

Bill wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:11 AM:Its about time and LONG overdue. Of course
the "latino activists" are going to complain. What else is new? Keep it
up! Most of us are burned out and fed up with illegals snubbing their noses
at us and our laws and doing as they please AND complaining about enforcement actions. Too bad. Deal with it.

April wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:56 AM:Brilliant work Escondido Police Department! Thank you for taking these repeated criminals off our streets! Keep this up, lets clean up this city!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Billy wrote on Feb 23, 2008 5:39 AM: Good show Escondido! It seems to me that all citizens of Escondido, regardless of their race, would be glad when the police use every means available to them to rid the city of the criminal element. I wonder how much of the crime is Latino on Latino. One is to many. Here is one fact that can't be ignored: get rid of the criminal element, regardless of race, and we all can live in safety. But then, the mouthy ones would not have that reason to stand before their neighbors and shoot off at the mouth.

Scott wrote on Feb 23, 2008 5:57 AM: I applaud this action by the Escondido Police Department and the City Council's stoic determination to rid their city of criminals who repeatedly defy our laws by returning when they have been shown the door.
God Bless you!
You are American heroes!

THE anti-liberal wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:09 AM:Bill Flores is a good example of why we need to have groups like the Minutemen. With all his years in law enforcement, look who's side he's on; criminal illegal aliens!

susan wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:40 AM:I support the Escondido police 100 percent and do worry about the 55 criminals they haven't located. I am sick of the race card being played constantly by Flores. Whoever breaks the law, black, white or latino has to face the consequences whether it be prison or deportation. Maybe these illegal criminals should be just put in prison like other criminals. I think it disgusting that the NC Times gives Flores any space in the newspaper. They sure wouldn't if a citizen was calling Latinos racisit...!

Slappy wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:58 AM: Check this out..I quote the article ..."Escondido police are not looking for illegal immigrants who have violated only federal law."........ So let me get this straight, a bank heist is a federal offence, right, so EPD your not going to go after illegal immigrant bank robbers NICE. I had no idea that police officers viewed our federal laws as more or less guidelines not so much laws. Crazy talk

Nancy wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:59 AM:I hope this is the first of many sweeps. To the Latino activists, you should be charged with conspiracy as well as aiding and abetting known criminals.

esco native wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:59 AM:The police should have started doing these sweeps 25 years ago.

Tuck wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:11 AM:These people break into our country, then proceed to commit a crime. Anyone who is opposed to these types of sweeps is a complete idiot.

Pluto wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:18 AM: Escondido is playing with fire again, pandering to a vocal, nativist base. This intentionally divisive behavior will be perceived as an outright attack on the Latino community. Instead of promoting understanding and trying to heal the community, the hard-hearted and thick-headed leaders of Escondido inflame tensions. I'm afraid they will reap what they sow.

Its time wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:20 AM:People need tog et over it. The people have spoken. They are tired of the criminal element of illegal immigration. Americans are tired of being call racist because they oppose illegal immigration. The American people pay the taxes and they are tired of being ignored! Kosovo mean anything. To many illegals immigrants and now the Serbs have lost their homeland!

dave from oceanside wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:27 AM:All Bill Flores accomplishes is stoking the fires of race conflict.
His reputation for extremism in twisted logic makes you wonder if he gets kickback money from human trafficing of illegals or drug money from the gang bangers. He should be investigated.

What's racist about rounding up CRIMNALS? wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:29 AM:These "Latino Activists" (My mother in-law is a LEGAL immigrant from Mexico, and they don't speak for my Mexican in-laws) are undermining the cause of the hard-working, decent, people who come here to better themselves and contribute to society by conflating the immigration issue with crime (which the racists are doing as well, and so playing into their hands).

Anything we can do to get criminal scum off the streets and out of our society, within the limits of the law, is a good thing, IMO. After all, criminals generally prey on the community in which they live. I would have thought, if they represented the Latinos of Escondido, they'd be happy that 15 less thugs were in their midst. So, who are the racists here: the people who make judgments on who to support based on the color of their skin, instead of the content of their character: Flores and El Grupo.

Light at the end of the tunnel wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:36 AM:Its good to see some real enforcement. We need to keep it up.

Exactly What We Need wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:42 AM:Thank you Escondido Police!
Notice only those who had been "targeted had a criminal record and had been banished from the U.S. following a criminal conviction."
This is not a racial sweep, it's a criminal sweep, and about time!

Grateful wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:44 AM:Thank you, EPD. Wish you had found a few more of these criminals, it's frightening to think how many of them are within a few miles of me right now, but I still appreciate that you found even a few of them. And thank you Sam Abed, yes to everything you said. Our odd, incompetent Mayor evidently weakly validated this as "crime fighting," but she's been working hard ever since she took office to protect people who are in this country illegally (criminals) instead of US citizens, so I'm not sure what she meant. And Bill Flores--wow--he's trying to be the Johnny Cochran of the illegal aliens, I guess, doing his job, throwing out a bunch of illogical stuff, hoping even a little will stick.

People Lover wrote on Feb 23, 2008 7:59 AM:Protecting Americans from invasive criminals is never wrong.

Enforce The Law wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:01 AM:Reentry into the US after deportation is a FELONY!!! The Mexican lobby wants Mexican criminals to have the right to freely roam the streets of Escondido, committing crimes at will.

Gene wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:02 AM:It's about time. Get the illegals out of the country.

All criminals wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:02 AM:If anyone, no matter where they are from, is here illegally they are criminals, not just because they got deported once before.

About time wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:16 AM:It is nice to see Escondido is now taking back the streets. For too many years criminals have had control. Those returning after deportation will be facing Federal sentencing rather the get out of jail free card of state law. Bill Flores may rant and rave, but he might as well be yelling against the wind. It's also nice to know he is no longer employed by a law enforcement agency. Can you see him enforcing the law?

Susan wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:33 AM:When can we expect full, fair and balanced reporting from the NC Times? I just read this story from another news source and it said the following "One of those detained was a convicted felon who had been formally deported 7 times since December". Another had prior arrests for assault on a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, rape and robbery" another was a car thief that had been formally deported back to Mexico 6 days earlier. Maybe Flores wants these people on our streets but I don't and it doesn't matter what their race is!

Concerned wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:34 AM:In the country illegally, commit a crime and get convicted, get formally deported, return to the U.S.A. and get arrested after being told you can never return, sounds reasonable to me.

Claudia wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:41 AM:Good work Escondido. Let's assume that the illegal alien criminals are from all countries. It is not racist to arrest anyone who has committed a crime, been deported and returns illegially. This is called justice for the people of the United States.

Robert24 wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:44 AM:Great work; keep it up!! What a surprise to see a comment from Bill Flores (Hey, Bill, you wanna explain what El Grupo is for us? I'm thinking it may be Latino oriented-dare I say racist-only organization to promote one agenda) regarding this. Keep it up EPD! We're behind you all the way!!

Ray C. wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:46 AM:Criminal aliens? I thought anyone who breaks the law is a criminal and anyone here illegally has broken the law. Flores, it's not a Hispanic issue you might think so since [some] in your community are in violation of the law (illegal) but here we are a nation of laws so it's a law issue.

Syl wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:03 AM:-"The pattern is clear of what's happening in Escondido," said Flores, a retired San Diego County assistant sheriff.-

Why does Escondido get implicated as racist? All the city is doing is trying to get rid of lawbreakers. The city isn't even going after all the lawbreakers, just the ones that have been 'officially' deported...

The blending of cultures is huge in Escondido, if the city is racist as implyed I think there would have been hate crimes reported by now.

Drew wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:06 AM:Good job Escondido! The immigant activists should distance themselve from convicted criminal. Many of us a sympathetic to the plight of immigrants and want to find reasonable solutions to the illegal immigrant problem in our country. I would recommend that the activists focus on helping the most law abiding and hardworking immigrants. They just want to make a better life for themselves and their families. On the other hand, we are sick of criminals, citizens or not. If we have the power to deport violent and repeat offenders, we should do that.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:07 AM:All of our communities are facing the same problem; criminal illegal aliens living here in and amongst us, who commit more crime. And open-border, illegal alien supporters want to pass immigration reform? No thanks. This is clearly one main reason we should not grant any 'cut-to-the-front-of-the-line' illegal aliens citizenship. If anyone who really sees what is going on is concerned about our future, you'll be sure to vote accordingly. Stay away from Obama and Clinton. Sure, John McCain has his own liberal sway to his stance, but he's more conservative than the other two. The time is now to empower all our law enforcement to rid our communities of illegal aliens, especially the criminal one's who have snuck in here time and time again. And, this only reinforces the need for an impenetrable wall and fence along the entire border and to double the number of Border Patrol agents.

Skip wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:08 AM:It is pretty obvious what the police are trying to do here and I applaud them for that. The welcome mat and sanctuary policies need to go. I am just wondering if the Hispanic press and activists will blow this all out of proportion like they normally do and cry of families being separated, children being abandoned and panic in the streets. Even Obama has fallen for this lie and is helping to spread this panic. According to what I have read, is that in reality no children have been abandoned. (I do not consider gangs as Family).

Skip wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:12 AM:Michael Wishnie, a Yale Law School professor, said Escondido's crackdown is unusual but appears legal. Congress made limited exceptions for local police to enforce immigration laws without federal training and authorization -- one such exception is for suspects who were previously deported after committing crimes in the U.S., he said. SOURCE : AP Press

concerned wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:18 AM:Escondido is the only town in the county actually doing anything to save/protect its city and country against the invasion of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. The rest of the towns in this county and the Federal gov't should be ashamed. Its much better that the gov't support its people before it really gets out of hand (look around the rest of the world folks).

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:21 AM:As a former law enforcement officer with the San Diego Sheriffs it never ceases to amaze me that Bill Flores from El Grupo seems to forget we're a country of laws. Forget about the racism for a moment Bill, and focus on the fact that these people are breaking the law. As a concerned citizen, hard-working member of my community, I want the laws enforced and don't care about skin color. I care about a safe environment for citizens and my family to live. I don't want my neighborhood, community, or country full of illegal aliens, most of whom are living off my dime and causing a disproportionate amount of crime. So to the officers of EPD, keep up the great work!

HARRY wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:21 AM: BRAVO,IT IS ABOUT TIME. FINALLY DOING SOMTHING TO GET RID OF THESE CRIMINALS.

WhoWhat wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:24 AM:What about LAW ENFORCEMENT do the Flores "types" not understand.

pablo wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:27 AM:The Escondido City Council should immediately replace Chief Jim Maher with Officer Russ. Maher is not doing his job. He was quoted as saying about the checkpoints, "It isn't racist because it stops everyone" That is not true. I know because I drove through the checkpoint in front of San Pasqual HS last Friday night, February 15 2008, and I was not stopped nor was I asked to produce my Drivers License. Neither were the drivers in front and behind me. If I wasn't stopped and the others weren't stopped how many more were waved through? How many of those waved through were illegally driving and in this country illegally? The answer to those questions are quite obvious from Maher's next quote. The article says, "In the bimonthly checkpoints, police stop motorists and detain and impound the cars of those without valid driver's licenses. Maher said the new department policy means that police sometimes check the immigration status of unlicensed drivers and call Border Patrol if the person is here illegally. As a result of all checkpoints in 2007, police turned over six illegal immigrants to Border Patrol, he said." My experience of getting waved through the checkpoint and witnessing others being waved through and the Chief's admission that only six illegal immigrants were turned over as a result of all the checkpoints in 2007 is proof to me that Chief Maher is not doing his job. For real results replace Maher with Whitaker.

anotherview wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:30 AM:America already has enough criminals. Nothing justifies the presence in the nation of even a single criminal alien. Let us applaud both the police and the officials of Escondido for their program to rid their city of criminal aliens. After all, criminal aliens debase the community and threaten public safety. As for Mr. Flores and his hurling of the accusation of Escondido "as being a racist community," he discredits himself for failing to support this accusation. He apparently uses the term "racist" to mean "racial prejudice or discrimination." Yet, the police act in accord with the law by cooperating with federal authorities to identify and detain criminal aliens for their due deportation (or other legal action). Mayor Pfeiler correctly sees this program “as effective crime fighting.” Further, Mr. Flores and his ilk never offer an alternative to rid America of criminal aliens or illegal aliens, instead seeming content with the status quo, with all its negative social, economic, and political impacts to the wider society. In short, Mr. Flores and his ilk themselves exhibit a social bias favoring criminal aliens and illegal aliens. In doing so, they behave irresponsibly via their failure to understand the necessity of public safety as the foremost duty of government. Thank goodness Councilman Abed dispelled the false view of the city’s crime fighting and put it in proper perspective: “It is doing our job to protect the safety of the citizens.”

owie wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:38 AM:Gosh I miss the old web site front page. The new thing actually gives me a headache with the little type, all the lines and litte boxes, random art and mixed up type sizes and styles. Reading this story I'm reminded how pleasant the old look was.

Good Going wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:43 AM:Shame on the "Latino activists" for wanting illegals to be in this country.

Reardon wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:43 AM:While the NC Times covered the raid over the past few days against repeat illegal alien criminals in Escondido, they couldn't find room for this tid-bit: One car thief, released from prison and deported just six days previously, was found by Escondido police back in Escondido last Wednesday. Another recidivist has been deported SEVEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER! Can we at least agree that these guys need to go, Bill Flores?

Escondeeter wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:43 AM:Why doesn't someone at the NCT just photocopy their notes of Flores' last comments and reuse them? It'd save them the cost of a phone call to get the same bogus charges repeated yet again.

There's nothing racist about arresting people who've committed felonies. There's nothing racist about arresting people who have warrants out for their arrest. In both instances, that's just good police work.

The story misstates the EPD policy, nobody's driving around town stopping people at random and demanding their ID. The criminal justice system functions because it's able to find those who don't show up in court. So, when an individual commits an offense, the officer will seek to identify who he is. There's nothing wrong with that. If the individual presents phony ID, the officer doesn't just take his word for who he is, he checks. Not infrequently, those checks turn up arrest warrants or evidence that a new crime has been committed, and that's what we're talking about here. Real criminals, who have committed real crimes, that have victimized real people.

As far as the impact of the raids on the immigrant community? On Thursday, I observed a Border Patrol car sitting in the parking lot of a local home improvement store with the officer doing paperwork. Twenty feet away, day laborers were soliciting employment. Not exactly the picture of a panicked community. That picture exists only in the vivid imaginations of those who claim to speak for the community, but actually promote their own real racist agendas.

Crime has no Race wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:49 AM:First of all, Latinos are an ethnic group who can be a member of any race. Second, Mr. Flores these efforts are to protect American citizens from criminals and their illegal activity. Obviously some members of our community aren't bothered by rape, murder, drug dealing or other criminal activities which harm, mame or kill our citizens. If you have already committed a crime and were deported as result of being convicted of that crime, we really don't want you to be our neighbor and we really don't care what ethnic group you belong to...

Tyra wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:54 AM:I find it disgusting that Latino activists
feel it is fine and dandy to complain about criminal illegal aliens being rounded up!
All illegal aliens should be deported in my view.

Do they enjoy the crime in their neighborhoods?

What? wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:58 AM:This story should bring out the commentors.
It sounds like Flores is against any law enforcment action that contacts hispanics. Does he get all insenced when the police to do a felony warrant sweep?
The fact that the pro illegal immigrant people complain about any attempt to enforce the law says much about where they stand.
The funny thing is when the pro illegal immigration bunch had their day without a mexican protest it caused the antiillegal imigration bunches ranks to swell.

Bo wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:59 AM:Bill Flores is the racist! His racism has blinded him so he can't see the truth; he has become what he accuses others of being. No one will argue that skinheads and KKK members are not racist. The skinheads and the KKK willingly overlook criminal behavior and even encourage criminal behavior in thier racist, blind support of the white race. Bil Flores and El Grupo wiilingly overlook criminal behavior and even encourage criminal behavior in thier racist, blind support of the latin race.

Dave wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:11 AM:Way to go Escondido Police! Keep up the good work! Enforce laws that are on the books and deport these criminals back to where they came from! And all you amnesty supporters take note - - these are the kind of folks you want to allow into our country without any background checks! Laws are laws and MUST be enforced regardles of what race the criminals are!

Fred wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:16 AM:What does the name illegal mean. Put away and cut crime.

Hmmmm wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:17 AM:Seems every time a Latino is arrested, Mr. Flores feels the person is being targeted because of their race instead of their crime. Mr. Flores, you are the racist who is always playing the race card. You swore an oath many years ago to uphold the laws of the State as a Deputy Sheriff. You get a retirement for that service. Yet, almost daily you propose ignoring the laws you swore to uphold. You shame that oath and the badge you used to wear.

good! wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:19 AM:about time- try staying in any other country where you have a criminal history- not a chance!! This is a matter of criminal behavior,,not race!

MAX wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:25 AM:Now this is one effort by Escondido that is RIGHT. Illegals who have been deported and then return again illegally, should get 10 years in the slammer. If they committed crimes here and were then deported and and return again: Life in prison. Simply redeporting them is an obvious exercise in futility. Bill Flores' claim has been totally refuted by Chief Maher ~ nuff said.

Jim wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:26 AM:Good for Escondido. How many more kids have to die in accidents caused by illegal immigrate repeat offenders. These people are criminals especially if they have been deported before. What is racist about taking repeat criminals off the street? It's not racist to call a criminal a criminal. It's only racist if you believe one race is above the law and the others are not.

Good Job EPD wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:30 AM:Good Job EPD.
Protect the citizens! Deport the criminal illegal aliens!

How do you do it? wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:33 AM:There always has been and always will be a debate about deporting illegal immigrants. What I don't understand is how anybody at all can defend the criminal aliens who are being deported bt the EPD. If a person has prior arrests and convictions for violent crimes and drugs, what in the world could be the justification for keeping them in this country? If you are against the Police deporting these criminals, then there is something wrong with you. I guess you would like to have them living in your community or neighborhood.

LUPE wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:34 AM:WEKCOME TO RACIONDIDO!! THANKS SAM A...

LLB wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:35 AM:Hooray for Escondido!

MJ wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:39 AM:We honestly can't win for losin' ... my question is, just what is it that Bill Flores wants or hopes to accomplish? Assuming Mr. Flores resides in this country legally, or is a citizen, I think he is doing his people a disservice by equating all Latinos, some of whom hail from families who were here before California became part of the US, with those who are here illegally.

Larry wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:44 AM:I applaud the City Council and the Escondido Police Dept. for protecting the citizens of Escondido, and that means everybody, Latino and Anglo alike, from career criminals.

Steve wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:46 AM:Good going EPD keep up the good work...

David M. wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:47 AM:As a third generation American of Mexican descent I find Bill Flores and his group (El Grupo) to be sensational if not absolutely disingenuous. I am from Southern California and I visit San Diego quite often both for business and for pleasure. Moreover, I have family and friends throughout the county. I am just curious to find out:

1) WHO made Bill Flores "our representative" (for Latinos)?

2) WHO does Flores think he is acting as though he speaks for Latinos?

3) Latino-AMERICANS (like myself) are tired of illegal immigration over-running our communities MOREOVER criminal illegal immigrants comitting atrocious crimes!

I suggest that Bill Flores speak SOLELY for HIMSELF and stop the charades of "Latino activism".


LATINO-AMERICANS ARE TIRED OF THUGS CAUSING HAVOC IN OUR STREETS REGARDLESS OF THEIR RACE OR ETHNICITY.

If they are here ILLEGALLY EVEN MORE reason to deport them.

Enough Flores. Speak for yourself and let us Latino-Americans who want clean and safe streets speak for ourselves.

The last thing we need is another charlatan demagogue with political aspirations beating the "race drum".

Ya basta Bill!

Flores is so predictable!! wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:55 AM:I applaud Escondido for their attempt to keep their citizens safe from criminals. Mr. Flores, how can you say anything negative about the police going after repeat criminals? If I understand you, criminals, if they are illegals, should be left alone because arresting them could frighten the Latino community? Again, they are above our laws?!

What a rationale from someone who was in law enforcement. Did you turn your head when an illegal committed a crime under your watch?

Thank you EPD! You can pull me over anytime and check my identification as well as my husbands who has a green card. Please do!

Bob wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:55 AM:Keep it up ESCONDIDO PD! Great Job!
Obviously illegal alliens need some training in abiding by another countries LAWS!

They sneak in here, commit crimes, get convicted, are ordered deported by a Federal Judge, sneak back into the country and commit more crimes!

DEPORT ALL CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS NOW! Keep it up EPD!

MVet wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:57 AM:Do you want to see the unlicensed driver problem go away in Escondido? Then give them a message that will make an impact. Deport all unlicensed drivers who are found to be illegal Aliens. Put the Illegals on notice that absolutely no laws being broken will be tolerated. If it were up to me, just the mere fact that they are illegally present in this country is grounds for deportation. Of course all of that will change when Hilliary or Obama takes power. Then it will be a run for the border. Our Border.

GFN wrote on Feb 23, 2008 11:02 AM:Bill Flores, a spokesman for El Grupo, an umbrella group of civil rights organizations, is a disgrace to his own Hispanic people. Escondido has a real crime problem and its police are trying to rid the city of its most dangerous criminals, who prey on Hispanic, Asian, White, Black and every other type of human being alike, and this selfish, ignorant man is criticizing their efforts! It is amazing that the Hispanic community allows this man to "speak for them.", indicating that they don't want a safer city either. Unbelievable.

Dave wrote on Feb 23, 2008 11:35 AM:Hats off to EPD and the management at the city! Escondido is a city overrun with illegal immigrants. Start with the criminal aliens and work out from there. Illegal immigration has undoubtedly had a negative impact on the quality of life in Escondido. I give them credit for continuing to make an effort, despite constant criticism from the likes of Flores or Enrique Morones.

On that note, It's been a while since we last heard from Bill Flores and I must admit I liked it. Although he is sort of entertaining in a Mike Aguirre sort of way, you know , ... you can't help but be amused.

Don't mistake his prior association with the Sheriff's Department as an indication others there share his views. He was known as a racist by the rank and file when he worked for the Sheriff too. I'm told he verbalizes his despise for the department now, except for the day his retirement check arrives I bet. Viva La Raza Guillermo!

Bill, did you miss that EPD is targeting CRIMINAL aliens? The sad part is I don't think you did. I suspect you surmise they are criminals only because they are victims of society, thus they have no other choice....Pathetic

Lisap wrote on Feb 23, 2008 11:51 AM:Maybe Bill Flores should leave if these policies are so bad. The problem of illegal immigration is huge and these illegals are lowering our standard of living. We must stop the madness and deport the illegals. Our very lifestyle is at stake. It is not racism, it is common sense.

b wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:00 PM:I just sent a letter to EPD expressing my support for this program as well as the driver's license checkpoints they've been conducting lately. I encourage all Escondido residents to do the same; we the people can make a difference!

Reardon wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:03 PM:Sorry, Pluto: The San Diego Union reported that in these raids, one person who was picked up on Wednesday had been deported (after jail time for car theft) just the previous Saturday, and another who was picked up had been deported SIX times since December!

TO Pluto wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:04 PM:A fine example of the threats to come. We have been threatened over giving up our driver's licenses, we have been threatened over Amnesty, and now we are being threatened over something insignificant as deporting Illegal Alien Criminals who have already been deported at least once. I believe the people will wake up and speak, and it will not matter who becomes our next president. Can you say American backlash?

Finally wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:07 PM:....it's about time our government gets the fact that we legal tax paying citizens are sick of illegal law breaking immigrants. They have no rights here.
We complain, we vote, we tell our representatives to deal with the broken borders but they ignore us. Send the illegal criminals back from wherever they came from, from south of the border to the middle east.
Please keep it up!

DRUG SUSPECT IN CUSTODY wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:10 PM:http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/police/news/releases/02-21-08.pdf

Matt wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:11 PM:Keep it up Escondido, way to go. Run these joker criminals back to where they came from. Enough of this insanity, and Flores, stuff it, you are such a fool, you seem to be racist yourself.

Fred wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:18 PM:The first illegal entry is a misdemeanor; it is a felony to re-enter after being deported.
Misdemeanor - less than a year in jail; felony - a year or more in jail.
For a history of how DEMOCRATS sandbagged H 4437 in December, 2005, then campaigned against their own felony amendment, see this writeup:.....

The original bill had the initial penalty changed from misdemeanor to felony, Sensenbrenner realized that we don't want 12M illegals in jail or in court, just GONE. He added an amendment to put it back to misdemeanor, and Democrats voted 191 to 8 to keep it a felony!
Democrats voted to keep the new penalty a felony, then campaigned against in during the 2006 marches!

Zeb wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:21 PM:Local Police Can Cooperate With Federal Immigration Authorities w/o 287(g)

The Bail Reform Act of 1984 created a powerful detention provision that authorizes a state of local police officer to arrest any alien other than a legal permanent resident for a federal “offense,” and to request a local magistrate to temporarily detain the alien for up to ten days without bail while awaiting transfer into federal custody, so long as the alien is found to be a “flight risk” or danger to any other person or the community.”

The authority to make arrest for federal offenses under 18 U.S.C. 3041 extends to state and local law enforcement officers.(U.S. v Bowdach, 561 F.2d 1160, 1168 (5th Cir. 1977) An illegal alien is an inherent flight risk.

Supreme Court Ruling Razes Artificial Fire Wall Between Local Law Enforcement and Immigration Enforcement (Muehler v. Mena) 9-0 Landmark Decision (Washington D.C.—April 1, 2005) In its March 22 ruling in the case of Muehler v. Mena, the Supreme Court removed barriers that prevent local law enforcement officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals they suspect to be in the United States illegally. In this groundbreaking decision, the high Court rejected the claim of Ira Mena, a permanent resident of the U.S., that police had violated the Fourth Amendment while conducting a lawful search of her home.

Zeb wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:23 PM:“If local police are barred from cooperating with federal authorities in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws it is purely a political decision on the part of local politicians and police chiefs. There is no legal barrier to local police inquiring about a person’s immigration status and then acting upon the information they gather.

To LUPE wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:30 PM:I think you mean Mexcondido. Or is it Escojuana?

R2 wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:40 PM:Thought I'd never see an opportunity to write this: SI SE PUEDE!! YES WE CAN!!
I am just ecstatic that we're now able to turn the tables on these criminals. Thank you Officer Whitaker and the entire EPD, for coming up with this brilliant idea and putting it into play.

Roberto wrote on Feb 23, 2008 12:47 PM:LaRaza Azteca or whatever, Alienating the hispanic community? You self appointed spokepersons of the communitiy make it sound like hispanic are pro-illegal Criminals. Weak statements by Bill Flores, somebody who talking out of his rear and he does not speak for me.

RG wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:01 PM:Bill Flores continues to make a fool of himself. Why does the NCT even bother to print his pro-illegal comments anymore? His credibility has been zero for some time now. One would think he and other "Latino Rights" activists would welcome and support activities designed to rid the communities of law breakers of their race/culture. I applaud the efforts of EPD.

Diane wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:02 PM:In the words and memory of Todd Beamer (Flight 93)...."LET'S ROLL!!!!" Thanks EPD! Nice to see that trash day is coming a little more frequent than once a week in our city. Let's keep the 'clean up' going.

El Outto wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:06 PM:aaaahahahaaa HILARIOUS!!!!! Is that the BEST name that Flores and his 'organization' can come up with??? EL GRUPO?????

David wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:13 PM:support the Escondido police 100% they are not being Racist for arresting Illegals for breaking the law they should arrest them all they broke the law when they crossed the border. I dont know what the Latinos problems are that came here legal the illegals are hurt them lot moor really they are taking jobs from them. I am Italian American and if a Italian breaks the law sent him to Jail like the rest of the people go. i do not want to pay taxes to help the out. I guess the Latino think they are better then me and the other americans. I dont believe they are.Bill Flores is the Raceist He can go to Mexico and help them there if he likes the Illegels so much he is not wanted in the United States by most Americans. ALL the Illegals need to back to there own country.

Ken wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:21 PM:Great work! It is past due to enforce the laws of our country. The ILLEGAL ALIENS that are in this country need to pack up and deport themselves back to their home country NOW! As far as Flores, he needs to get real, this has NEVER been about race, but only about breaking the laws of our country. This type of enforcement needs to be going on each and every day. There is way too much crime going on by the ILLEGAL ALIENS.

Arpoador wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:28 PM:Congratulations to officer Whitaker and the Police Department. Flores and his type are fools. The strongest candidate for President of the United States right now is a black man,and Flores wants to paint border enforcement as a race issue.
Sorry Flores, but you have about as much credibility as the other buffoon, Hugo Chavez!

Your Papers... wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:40 PM:Well it's here, the police asking folks for their papers a la 1930's Germany. Next we'll need special permission to travel around the country.

hometown wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:58 PM:Wow, almost 100% in favor of the City Council majority wanting to make Escondido a safer city by arresting criminals. What's sad is some of these latest arrestees have been deported before. And who is Bill Flores anyway? This guy is an ex sheriff's deputy, a police officer sworn to uphold the law. I'm glad he is out of law enforcement now.

Period wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:06 PM:“….alienating Latino Residents”.
I have a few things to say about that extremely silly and childish remark. It sounds like the complaint of kindergartener saying, “They don’t like me.”
1) How can they feel alienated when they have bilingual education, report cards in Spanish, vote in Spanish, heck, everything in Spanish?
2) If you are here illegally, you are supposed to feel alienated. That is like saying a child molester feels unwanted at an elementary school.
3) Only 15 taken into custody?
4) Will the Carlsbad police be taking similar action?
5) Undocumented = Illegal. Please stop with the newspeak. We are not that dumb. Well, maybe most of us are

Reardon wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:07 PM:To Your Papers: No one checked their papers! Someone checked their ARREST RECORDS! Someone checked their DEPORTATION ORDERS! Why do you want to make a privacy issue out of what is clearly a CRIMINAL issue?

HAPPY DAY wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:11 PM:I am so happy to be reading more and more of these articles. IT'S ABOUT TIME that we started doing this. We have been invaded by thesse leaches far too long. GO ESCONDIDO!!

Flores? wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:25 PM:You just made a HUGE fool out of yourself on this one Mr. Flores. How can you oppose arresting criminals! Your agenda is now very clear to see.

You are a JOKE my friend!

PS. NCT, why do you qoute someone like this?

Steve wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:26 PM:ITS ABOUT TIME! Now time for the law to be passed that ANYONE COMMITING AN ILLEGAL ACT (ie: crossing our borders illegally) WILL BE PUNISHED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW, THEN DEPORTED TO THEIR COUNTRY AS A CRIMINAL, And finally flip their country the bill for their stay in our prison.... That will help the deficiet a little....

From a Latino wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:45 PM:This legal resident is thankful! And Mr. Flores you are making us all look foolish! We are grateful to the police because these criminals prey on us! We do not supppport illegal activity although you might!

Skip wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:46 PM:I think I know why the Activists and Illegal Aliens are so afraid. When people like Bill Flores say that we are alienating the "Latino" community, what they really mean is the "Illegal Alien Community. I have plenty of Hispanic friends and co-workers and they support programs such as this. They are not afraid or intimidated. But on the other hand, many Illegal Aliens depend on word of mouth for their news, or at best Spanish media (or whatever language), and all they have to hear is the word "DEPORTATION", and they go into a panic. They do not hear the part about the criminal records of these suspects to be deported, as all they hear is Hispanic. The Illegal Aliens are in shock that we are finally enforcing some of our laws, and with the trickle down effect, they will assume that we will start deporting perfectly honest hardworking people here in Escondido that may have only been deported a few times previously, but other then that have no record. Maybe some of them will get the message and move elsewhere (preferably back to their native country of origin).

Flores must be a One man group wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:48 PM:With such stupid comments made by this Flores guy, I can only think that his El Grupo is made up of only "EL Uno". No intelligent person could support a man you is against arresting repeat criminals.

Al wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:50 PM:This is one of the best news stories I have read in a long time!! Excellent work EPD.
Flores, you are a total racist.

Mexican-America Vet wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:53 PM:I'm a Mexican-American and I don't have a problem with what police is doing. If you’re a legal resident then what’s the problem? Mr. Flores, if the police was targeting Asian illegal aliens would you come to their defense too? I doubt it; you’re just as bigoted as the minutemen. An activist fantasy is for the US government to march all Latinos to concentration camps, I’ve heard this rhetoric before, this an activist fantasy.
Tell me this Mr. Flores, why is it wrong for the US to not grant driving license to illegals but it’s ok for Mexico to not grant driving licenses, hypocrite.

Drew wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:55 PM:They can play the race card but I don't buy it. Read the article about the white guys in the Murrieta Fight Club. Those guys got some very LONG sentences and they are all middle class white boys. Escondido drove out many of the neo-nazis back in the eighties. We are not crazy about illegal immigrants but we HATE criminals regardless of color and immigrant status. If it were up to me those fight club guys would have been deported. Unfortunately, they are citizens so we have to put up with them after they are released from prison. We don't have to put up with the illegal immigrants that commit crime here so off they go.
I wonder what Mexico's policy is on immigrants that commit crime? Wonder if they allow them back in the country after they serve their sentences? Hmmm... food for thought.

sdraoul wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:57 PM:Guess what? I support the targeting and arerst and deportation of anyone who ahs been deported. That said, perhaps Bill Foores (my friend) and I should organize a sit in on I-15 that stops all tarffic until the Escondido polcie and the Highway Patrol arrest and jai anyone driving 10 miles over the speed limit or more with the charge being reckless driving and felony endangerment.

Then all the fatheads who live in Escondido will quit breaking the law everytime they drive on I-15. After, folks, we are a nation of laws.

And, Escondido police, the first one of you than even hints you want to know my citizenship is going to federal court for violating any number of laws, plus I will sue you and the PD and the City and each individual city councilman, especially the foreigners like Sam Abed and Mary the Nu Yorker.

And to the amauter who quotes three different court cases, they aren't the law those quotes and politicies you attribute to them are DICTUM" not rulings that affect law or the enforcement of such laws. Section 287 (g) controls all local polcie in immigration. If the local yokel cops are certified by the federal government they can't even ask legal residency. Theyc an't arrest anyone for illegal border crossings without working under the physical supervision of a federal officer.

Lastly, what kind of clowns are there that can conduct multiple street license checks for a year and discover only 6 illegals.

What a department! Of course, we all know that Escondido cops are those who couldn't get hired by LA or SD PDs, ditto Deputy Sheriffs.

Syl wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:57 PM:RE: "...they are criminals only because they are victims of society..."

Yes, victims of Mexican society. The U.S. is not a giant social rehabilitation center for anyone who can sneak in here. Mexico has no concept of income taxation or almost any other taxation for that matter -- and their infrastructure represents that.

Our society (U.S.) was crafted and is based on obeying ALL laws - including owning up to your true identity and paying for shared resources in the form of income and other taxes. Lying about your identity will land you in jail in this country, as it should!

Mexican-American Vet. wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:01 PM:I forgot to mention, who is Bill Flores anyway. He doesn't speak for me or any Latino out there. Again, he's looking start a problem that isn't there. NCT, stop giving these people a voice. It makes Mexican Americans look bad.

Dman wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:04 PM:Hallelujah!

Save our Country, Send Back Illegals wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:06 PM:It is obvious from these posts that
1. Most Americans are compassionate
2. But we are sick of law breaking immigrants who are here illegally
3. And we want our government to do something about it - NOW
Thank you EPD for doing your part. Now if only Congress would do the same.

To Drew wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:07 PM:I hear ya, bro.

Earth to Pluto wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:10 PM:Earth to Pluto, Earth to Pluto. Can you read me? It must be very lonely there in outer space since you are the only one who favors having criminals in our communities. Please try to get a life. Over and out.

Larry wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:14 PM: Yes, federal law should be enforced by local law enforcement officials. Escondido, Los Angeles, Santa Ana or any other U.S. city should never become a sanctuary for lawbreakers. It is disturbing that this El Grupo organization spokesman,
Bill Flores, is trying to convince the public that American citizens and legal residents with Spanish surnames favor illegal immigration.

Bobby wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:17 PM:Americans have become some of the butt dumbest people in the world. For example "Criminal illegal immigrant sweep the first of its kind? Hah! Are we so proud of ourselves, that government officials have finally decided to get around to doing this? Perhaps, we needed to wait a little longer to see how much more mayhem "Criminal Aliens" would commit? Isn't it interesting how fast, I mean lighting fast, the authorities act when American criminals commit crime and mayhem. But the attitude with "illegal alien" criminals has been kind of like when one gets out of bed and yawns and says,"I know the house has been burning for a while so I guess it's time to turn on the hose--snore,yawn...etc. We have idiotic people in charge of this nation and we deserve the results.

El Grupo is El Uno wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:20 PM:With such stupid comments made by this Flores guy, I can only think that his El Grupo is made up of only "EL Uno". No intelligent person could support a man you is against arresting repeat criminals.

Roberto1 wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:31 PM:"Escondido criminal illegal immigrant sweep the first of its kind"

REPLY: How about locking up all violent offenders instead of expoiting the issue of illegal immigration workers?...its easy to attack without setting priorities...again, just a bunch of phobies out here.

ylekiote wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:31 PM:Hey SDRAOUL, your ignorance is showing. About half of EPD came from other departments to work in Escondido because it is a great place to work. Lots of officers started their careers at LAPD, SDPD, SDSO, and LASO. And those who did not lateral from other departments consider themselves fortunate to have been able to start careers at EPD.

Oh by the way, when you write, try a little spelling and grammar check before you post. It will make your ignorance easier to read.

Newworld2008 wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:34 PM:Once illegal...almost always illegal... Before your arrival here to the US, make sure you have a legal passport, legal visa, proper (legal) medical insurance (from anywhere, legally obtained cash amount of $10,000 along with the name of a true family member to call to make sure you go back home after upon expiry. If you want to stay and become a legal resident or US citizen, stand in line like everyone else. God Bless America and its brilliant and simple laws...!

David wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:37 PM:"Hello - This is a recording. Press '1' for English. Press '2' for deportation. Thank you and have a nice day".

QUIT TRYING TO CONFUSE THE ISSUE wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:56 PM:re: The sweep was empowered by a new department policy that allows officers to check the immigration status of almost any suspect, drawing criticism from Latino activists. >>>> there is no doubt that the term "LATINO ACTIVISTS" is being used to describe "ILLEGAL ALIENS". There are plenty of Hispanic Americans who do not find fault in deporting “Illegal Aliens” Thy this instead : The sweep was empowered by a new department policy that allows officers to check the immigration status of almost any suspect, drawing criticism from “Illegal Alien” activists. Now the story makes sense.

To SDRAOUL wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:59 PM: To sdraoul: News alert: The police an highway patrol do ticket people driving 10mph on I-15 and if they are driving drunk or are a hazard to others, they are arrested!

Sorry your logic was not well thought out!!

Candace wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:01 PM:... look up "illegal alien": a foreigner who has entered or resides in a country unlawfully or without the country's authorization. And that, in itself, without any other offense, is a crime, no matter how you count.

Who is sdraoul? wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:06 PM:Raoul Lowery Contreras is a Mexican-American author, radio talk show host, and columnist, and aspiring politician, known for his centrist politics. He has gained notoriety as a defender of immigrants, illegal and otherwise, especially those from his native Mexico. His writing is controversial and usually draws passionate agreement or virulent criticism. He is reviled by the anti-immigration crowd as well as the more radical Chicano activists. He is a member of the Republican party and entered his name in a bid to become a committee member of the San Diego County Republican Committee in 2004. Though he received 17,000 votes, he lost

Thanks EPD wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:12 PM:Bill F and Raoul C appear desperate. If only they would do something positive for the community rather than rationalize the illegal behavior of those they feel are victims, maybe they would get some respect. Until then, who cares what they say or how poorly they say it? Thanks to the EPD for doing the right thing.

Dave wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:32 PM:Let's hope the rest of North County takes notice and follows suit.

TheGunny wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:34 PM:Hey Flores, you are as insane as El Guapo, not El Grupo!!!!

Helena wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:43 PM:How can you be against deporting convicted criminals?

Reardon wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:46 PM:Ya’ Gotta’ love activists! On the one hand, they oppose cataloguing people by categories, like “legal” or “illegal” – claiming privacy rights. THEN, when they succeed, they challenge you to present statistics about illegal use of schools, medical facilities, welfare, AIM, and a hundred more government programs designed for American citizens! Of course you can’t, because the activists convinced the bureaucrats to ban the statistics! Remember the old saw about the child who killed his parents, then threw himself on the mercy of the Court because he was an orphan? THAT is SDRAOUL!

Mike wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:57 PM:The EPD seems to be targeting habitual offenders and chronic recidivists.

How do you get "racist" out of this.

Lorin wrote on Feb 23, 2008 5:06 PM:I am so sick of those people playing the "Racist" card when they are punished for breaking the law. If you don't like it go back to where you belong.

MVet wrote on Feb 23, 2008 5:53 PM:What I really do not understand is that if the majority or American people are reflective of the comments on blogs like this, then how come for the next president we have only Hiliary, Obama and MCCain to choose from?

A Minuteman wrote on Feb 23, 2008 5:57 PM:The answer by the RECONQUISTAS is that ANY crime committed by an ILLEGAL ALIEN MEXICAN should go unpunished... crimes commited by Americans and ILLEGAL ALIENS from any other country, should, of course, be fully prosecuted.

In other words, only ILLEGAL ALIEN MEXICANS should be given a "GET OUT OF JAIL FREE" Card.

To MVet wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:00 PM:A valid question but the answer is because there are more of THEM than US.

Dave wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:00 PM:Businesses state they cannot get skilled workers for the job market, so they must advertise for workers. The only problem with this is, they intentionally mislead THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. We have over two million U.S. citizen workers who are unemployed. However big business and the corporate machine has found a massive loophole in the law regarding visas for foreign workers.
Watch this authentic video from you-tube and if you are not startled, your will certainly be wordless if not disturbed by visa fraud, carefully concocted by ATTORNEYS OF LAW. It shows business how to undermine regulations, so they can import more foreign workers to defraud citizen workers of employment, and lower wages in the business industry.
WATCH THE VIDEO & LEARN? ...

Scott wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:09 PM: The choices are pathetic this year, but there are many people who believe a new Nationalist or Constitutionalist Party may very well arise in the near future.
Michael Savage has pledged to help create a new one when he beats the insidious terrorist front group CAIR in court later this year.
Obviously, our once-conservative Republican Party has been hijacked by centrist special interest puppets . . .

Scott wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:13 PM:
By The way -
To Devastated -
My deepest condolences on your loss.
My SUV was hit by a drunken Mexican illegal hit & run driver in Chula Vista in July, and I often think how fortunate I was to get out of that without serious injury.
Let's take back our country, America!

To Mike wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:27 PM:Mike wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:57 PM:"The EPD seems to be targeting habitual offenders and chronic recidivists.
How do you get "racist" out of this

Mike, you have to know that this Flores guy cries racism continually. If someone who is latino even gets a splinter it is somehow the fault of a person he then deems a racist. He is making a bad name for Latinos.

Unfortunately this Flores is one of the biggest racists around! Mr. Flores, these criminals are feeding off of the good latino people. Criminals must go or else maybe you can take responsibility for them and their actions! How can you be against arresting criminals? Some are rapists,car thieves, have stabbed police officers,etc. You support these people?!

Mark wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:33 PM:SDPD please follow their lead!!!
Your 6.18 po