LAKE ELSINORE: Immigrant rights protesters, council face off
Self-described activists ask city leaders to explain alleged uptick in Border Patrol activity
By Aaron Claverie - Staff Writer | ∞
LAKE ELSINORE ---- Lake Elsinore residents and self-described immigrant rights activists staged a protest on the front steps of the city's Cultural Center during Tuesday night's City Council meeting.
The protest followed marches and other types of demonstrations targeting City Hall and the city's police station that attempt to call attention to what the protesters contend is a crackdown on undocumented immigrants that is breaking up families.
Supporters of the recent actions by the U.S. Border Patrol say the immigrants targeted by the agency are here in the country illegally, undercutting the protester's claims of rights violations.
The protesters, addressing the council at the start of the meeting, asked the council or city administrators to explain what they called, an "extremely high" level of Border Patrol activity in the city recently.
"I don't think you're fully aware of the level of fear within the community," said Debbie McClain, one of the activists.
Some residents and the activists contend Border Patrol agents have staged raids within the city and deported more than 200 undocumented immigrants, mostly men from Mexico or Guatemala.
A Border Patrol spokesman in the agency's San Diego office has said there have been no large-scale raids conducted in Lake Elsinore recently. He said any noticeable increase in agency presence can be attributed to increased hiring and regular patrols of the area out of the agency's Murrieta station.
The spokesman also said the agency does not respond to requests by city officials for more agents. He said that request only would be heeded if it came from Washington, D.C.
McClain told the council that members of the city's Latino community are saying city officials called for a beefed up Border Patrol presence and she asked the council to make it clear if that was true or not.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Daryl Hickman addressed the issue from his seat on the council dais and told the protesters that he asked the office of U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, for support because day laborers were congregating on street corners on Main Street, the main thoroughfare into the city.
Hickman said the city has long allowed day laborers to seek work along Spring Street to the north, a street that has bathrooms and other facilities specifically placed there for day laborers.
When the laborers couldn't be convinced by members of the city's business community to move to Spring, Hickman said he called Issa's office. He said the issue needed to be addressed because some members of the community were afraid to drive down Main Street, "especially women."
"That's where we're at ---- that's what happened," he said.
Hickman said residents of the city support his action.
"I've received some 100 e-mails from people in support and zero against," he said.
City Councilman Bob Magee said the Border Patrol is enforcing federal law and the people opposed to the action of the agents should lobby the federal government to change the law.
"They need to go to the Democratic and Republican conventions," he said.
Talking about the issue of people living with fear, Magee said no one in the city who is obeying federal law should have anything to fear.
A resident in favor of the mayor's action, James Brady, told the council that the protesters should be required to pull a permit if they want to stage an event in the city. And he questioned why there wasn't more of a police presence during a protest on Aug. 17.
"My wife and I and guests from out of town were going to go to Guadalajara's (a Main Street Mexican food restaurant) and we saw 50 to 100 people shaking signs in some sort of demonstration. We turned around and went to Temecula," he said.
Following the meeting, Hickman addressed the protesters on the front steps of the cultural center. He stressed that the people targeted by U.S. Border Patrol were here illegally in violation of federal laws.
More Stories
Advertisement
EXCEL wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:25 AM:Lets assume Lake Elsinore is considered a "safe haven" for all law breakers. When does the time come to say STOP? It is usually when it starts. The need for tough decisions by our leaders is critical,register to vote and know your issues "before" you enter the polling place,otherwise these people will make ass(es)of you & me ... assume that senario.
By wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:28 AM:By, don't let the door slam you in the A**. 1.3 million leaving the country can't be wrong, follow them home.
sassy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:30 AM:It's about time we see increased Border Patrol presence. Our federal laws need to be enforced! I am sick and tired of going to public places and feeling like I am in Mexico. This is America and we are not going to be invaded!
oh brother wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:08 AM:the mayor is impressive. we need counter protests. tell these whiney babies we are sick of these illegals destroying our community. take your "family" and go home. ruin and trash your own country. we are sick of your lifestyle and your values.
Bob wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:10 AM:That aboy Hickmam. I'm tired of Elsinore acting like a sanctuary city. Hopfully this will clear out some of the overcrowding in our schools and improve the dummied down curriculium imposed because of non english speaking students and parents. Our kids deserve better than that.
Take it up with the wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:26 AM:American people that are writing their Congressmen to stop Illegal Immigration. These Democratic lead Congressmen are now forcing ICE to do its job and conduct raids, not only for criminals but ALL illegal aliens.
No-Spin Doctor wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:27 AM:Thanks again to the mayor and the City Council for their stand on this issue. Alot of moved here from LA to be rid of the onslaught of illegals and the Villalaraza's sanctuary city policies. Now, illegals, get the message?
Hal wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:54 AM:I applaud Mayor Hickman and the Lake Elsinore City Council for their efforts to enforce Federal Immigration Laws. The day workers' refusal to move to another area on Spring St. is typical of their "the law doesnt apply to me" attitude. If they defy Federal Laws, then they will certainly defy State and Local Laws. At the same time, they are teaching their children and those around them to do the same. They are increasing the tax burden of every legal citizen, and are harboring a culture that is dangerous to our society. We absolutely MUST stop this dangerous influx now. America welcomes those that enter the country LEGALY and assimilate, however, if you have no intention of proudly calling yourself Americans, then dont come here and expect to demand benefits that are sucking the lifes blood from our economy.
Let them Know wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:35 AM:Let the city of Lake Elsinore know how you feel about this. Go to the city's web site by googling Lake Elsinore and clicking the city council on the right side of the site. E-mail addresses are available there.
just some guy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:49 AM:the "influx" will never stop. get used to it people. the whole concept of borders is ridiculous, we live in a global society and every human being should be allowed certain rights and freedoms, such as health care and education and the right to work. "America" will be brown before you know it.
WILDOMARTIAN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:59 AM:Spring Street should also be cleaned-out! And take back the City Lake Elsinore back to LEGAL CITIZENS & IMMIGRANTS!
Does anyone remember the illegal alien gang gun battle in L.E. back in circa 2002? Do we want that to happen again???
C L wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:52 AM:It is ironic that a country founded on the illegal invasion of the American continent and the slaughter of its Indigenous inhabitants, claims the rule of law as the basis for rounding up these workers. Mexicans and Guatemalans are mostly an Indigenous population, whose ancestors have been in the American continent long before whites got off their ships.
WILDOMARTIAN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:54 AM:To: just some guy,
"...the whole concept of borders is ridiculous..." Do you have a fence around your home? How about a door??
Golbal society? That only works on Star Trek!
Brown is fine, Yellow is cool, so is Red...As long they have a GREEN CARD!
civil liberties at risk wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:36 AM:That's one for the fascists. The time has come to reassess what values we want to uphold as a society, when a public official openly chooses to degrade civil rights and liberties for all, irrespective of national origin. Hickman supporters, this is a slippery slope. Who knows, you might be next.
Dude wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:52 AM:I'm seeing a trend here, People (legal) are getting tired of this stuff.
Tasha wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:25 PM:CL, the original "Indigenous inhabitants" of this continent migrated here fron Europe. A secondary migration came later from Asia. So, which "Indigenous" population was massacred by the other? As to the later Indian tribes, during the Revolution they backed the losing side. Payback is a pain, right? Most present-day Indians have assimilated into the American population, marrying Americans. The Indians haven't been eliminated, they've been assimilated. And, FYI, American Indians never allowed Mexican or Central American Indians on their turf. Goyothlay (Geronimo to you non-Apaches) never gave the Mexican invaders an inch!
darrell wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:27 PM:i lived in so cal for the last 22 years and i was raised in the former golden state and the last few years made me sick to see it turning into literally TJ. so i moved me and my family to Oklahoma and that was 3 years ago and this state reminds me of the former golden state of california. my kids have good schools without all the biligual bs and jobs are great. we have a 3.4% unemployment compared to mexifornias 7.3% and we have very few illegal. not much more needs to be said
Dan The Contractor wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:47 PM:I pick up day labors from both Spring and Main St.The whole downtown looks like crap,dirt roads,no sidewalks or gutters.When are they going to invest in downtown to look like Temecula's Front street.
our culture wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:12 PM:Restore the rule of law and allow ICE to continue deporting the illegal's.
I am from Oceanside and on the "Day without a Mexican" the American flag was flown upside down with the mexican flag flying at the top.
Assimilation into our culture, learning our language, and supporting oneself, along with legal entry into this country are needed to keep divisive cultures from developing within the United States. During the 60's desegregation was implemented to bring blacks into the mainstream of the US. Why are we now allowing divisive cultures to exist which will only breed more segregation. Following Immigration law and assimilation into our culture by immigrants is necessary for this nation to survive.
Greg in Oceanside wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:43 PM:To the great citizens of LE; take a stand! Fight for your country and don't let any open-border, illegal alien advocates try to dissuade you from enforcing our immigration laws, or intimidate you to think you should not protest the invasion of illegal aliens to your community!!
Sick of it wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:44 PM:Where does the audacity of these criminals end? They have broken our laws by sneaking over the border, and they have no qualms about working here illegally and stealing your identity to do it. If they are worried about their families, they need to pack up and head south. That is what any self-respecting person who perceived a threat to his or her family would do. These people, however, are more concerned with making as many American dollars as they can, and they are just crying wolf to try to elicit sympathy for their self-imposed plight. Sorry, folks, the gravy train is leaving without you. Americans have had it. You have no stake here. Ever hear of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo? Mexico handed over Alta California to the U.S. 150 years ago. This business of "I didn't cross the border; it crossed me" is ludicrous. You are all delusional.
usa citizen wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:24 PM:Thank you Mayor Hickman and Lake Elsinore City Council - I PRAY THAT EACH AND EVERY MAYOR OF CALIFORNIA follows your lead. What part of the word illegal means getting legal citizen rights? As an American I know if I do an illegal act, I must pay the piper - WHY DO ILLEGALS GET A FREE PASS?
My family is sick and tired of paying for non-citizens! Mexico has their own government - GO PROTEST IN THE STREETS THERE!
Rowdy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:53 PM:I wish that ICE would come to Whidbey Island, WA. and clean house! We're being overrun by illegal lawbreakers!!!
Roberto wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:59 PM:Citizen "Robert Brady" is and insider connected to the council unless this is another guy with the same name. Lets ship all the Jobs and Mexicans back to Mexico. kinda like throwing the baby out with the bath water.
BILL wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:40 AM:every time these illegals protest they should round them up and deport them! it's sad some families get broke up, but citizens' families get broke up also when THEY BREAK THE LAW you illegals made your bed noe you can cry in it ! if you want your families together go back to where you came from and you won't have to worry about it any more as a matter of fact you can be with the rest of your families that you left behind, you know since it hurts to have family broke up so bad. the last I heard american civil rights and the constitution of the U.S. and the Bill of rights pertain to U.S. citizens, the problem with this country is the liberals look the other way and care for their fellow man even as the whole country is going down in flames wellif they want to help so much move to mexico and contribute to their economy and leave the U.S. citizens to work towards fixing the problems with our own. and when I say citizens I mean native and naturalized, I have nothing but respect for anyone who takes his place in line and goes through the process of becoming a full fledged member of the United States of America! so don't pull that cop out card of racism and biggotry because the illegals are the real bigots and racists thinking they should come here and getting educations and medical and social services they are not entitled to. these are tough times and in tough times we should worry and take care of our own!
less wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:42 AM:Are the schools less crowded, are the emergency rooms less crowded, are the jails less crowded, is the crime rate down, are more lawns overgrown, are the developers falling behind in their landscaping? Does anyone have some numbers, I am dying to know how much money is being saved.
Lilbunnyfoofoo wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:10 AM:Bout time an elected official had the balls to stand up to these invaders!
Way to go Lake Elsinor!
Buzzm wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:14 AM:Mayor Daryl Hickman
Mayor Pro Tem Genie Kelley
Councilman Thomas Buckley
Councilman Robert Schiffner
Councilman Robert 'Bob' Magee
City Treasurer Peter G. Weber
Dear Mayor, and Council Members,
Thank you for your statement:
Hickman addressed the protesters on the front steps of the cultural center. He stressed that "the people targeted by U.S. Border Patrol were here illegally in violation of federal laws."
That's the simple fact that many people, either, fail to understand, or fail to accept.
Illegals, are just that, illegal. They have absolutely no right to be in our United States; it's against our laws..
It is also against our laws for an illegal to be employed, by anyone, anywhere, within our United States.
There are over 8.8 unemployed American workers, and California ranks 47th worst with an unemployment rate of 7.3%
Unemployment Rates for States Monthly Rankings
Seasonally Adjusted
July 2008p
41 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 6.7
41 KENTUCKY 6.7
43 ALASKA 6.9
43 TENNESSEE 6.9
45 SOUTH CAROLINA 7.0
46 OHIO 7.2
47 CALIFORNIA 7.3
47 ILLINOIS 7.3
49 RHODE ISLAND 7.7
50 MISSISSIPPI 7.9%
51 MICHIGAN 8.5
http://www.bls.gov/web/laumstrk.htm
Illegals, using forged, falsified, or stolen documents, have illegally obtained jobs that rightfully belong to American workers.
American workers need those jobs, and they need them now!
Thanks again for standing up for all Americans.
Sincerely,
name removed (Buzzm1)
A very concerned citizen
RobinH wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:17 AM:If an individual is in the country illegally, the law states deportation is to follow. Mayor Hickman is upholding the law! CA needs more mayors like Mr. Hickman!
just some guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:43 AM:#1 Don't quote the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo unless you are sure of what it says and of the rights that were given to the people living here at that time. The same rights that were later stripped away by the government.
#2 We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal.
jrgdds wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:47 AM:"The protest followed marches and other types of demonstrations targeting City Hall and the city's police station that attempt to call attention to what the protesters contend is a crackdown on undocumented immigrants that is breaking up families.'
This happens all the time in the Uninted States. Criminals are convicted for crimes and sent to prison. The families of illegal aliens do not have to be broken up. All they need do is return with the illegals' home country. These families created their own problem, and they need to deal with the consequences. No sympathy here!
To just some guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:42 PM:We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
That is true. What is also true that if you break a law, whether city, state or federal, you must attone for it. You seem to be under the impression that even though they have crossed the border illegally (does not matter the nationality, many chinese also sneak into the United States) that they should have a free pass and not be punished for violating Federal law. If I or you were to sneak into Mexico or any other country illegally and you get caught do you think they will give you a free pass? I applaud ALL the legal immigrants that have gone thru the time and effort to become an American citizen. Most of them have more knowledge of American history than natural born citizens. I am a seventh generation Californian and when California became a territory our families land rights were taken away. Yet I do not whine or complain, my family works hard and puts the past behind us.
I feel that every human has a right to live in a free and fair society, but that society cannot and will not put up with anyone that flaunts the law. Laws are not always fair, but they must be obeyed.
Roberto wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:16 PM:Attacking Mexicans sneaking around working...What a waste of time and lunacy.
Sick of it wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:43 PM:That's just it, Just Some Guy, they were "people living here AT THE TIME." What we are dealing with now born and bred native Mexicans, and the only living they have done here is illegal because they have broken our laws to do it. Stop living in the past and wake up to the fact that we are being invaded by tidal wave of lawbreakers demanding the same rights and benefits as our citizens. Yes, all people are created equal, and that means equal under the laws of this land. We are extending to the illegals the right to suffer consequences when they choose to break the law, same as our citizens do. Oops, guess they aren't quite interested in that right, or they wouldn't be stomping around with their silly and outrageous protests. Way to go ICE!
Socalstino wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:08 PM:Do it legal or leave. Learn English or leave. It does not matter if you are Mexican or Polish. If I lived in Poland I would have to learn the language. I dont know why illegal immigrants believe this country owes them anything. The illegal immigrant situation is a big drain on all of our systems and if it does not get addressed soon it will only get worse. Do not do buiseness with anyone who refuses to learn English. Do not hire anyone who refuses to learn English. The LPGA got it right when they said you have to learn English to compete in this country.
Bottom line wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:49 PM:America is a sovereign nation, just like Mexico and every other country on Earth. We have our own laws regarding immigration that are much more lenient than, for example, Mexico's. However, primarily Mexican, invaders feel they have every right to break our laws, because of the lies told to them by the Mexican government and perpetuated by anti American fools like just some guy. The rights given to American citizens, by the American government do NOT apply to the entire world. Each nation has their OWN set of laws and rights. They most certainly do NOT pertain to people who BROKE the law by entering illegally. They ALSO do not pertain to the American born children of those same lawbreakers. I just love when an American document written for American citizens is supposed to apply to ALL when the first act of the ALL was to disrespect and disregard other portions of that same document. If you are NOT a citizen, you have NO rights that apply to the citizens of THIS country. You have the rights of the country of YOUR citizenship. Immigrants DO have rights in the US, illegal aliens do NOT.
ed wrote on Aug 30, 2008 12:32 PM:Sometimes i feel is should make a country in where everybody in the world an come and live with out passports or visa A place where John will be happy about
Jim A wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:27 PM:Mexico sold California 150 years ago. Borders were drawn, and laws were made.
Debbie McClain should move to Mexico if she wants to promote immigrants rights. Let her fight to get Mexico to be a haven for Hondurans and Guatamalans. Guess what?...Mexico doesn't allow illegal immigrants!
SKIN IS JUST A COLOR wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:47 PM:IF WE ALL JUST LOOK PAST THE SKIN COLOR WE ARE ALL THE SAME BONES...THIS I ONE NATION UNDER GOD NOT MAN GOD SAYS LOVE THY NEIGHBOR NO MATTER THE COLOR CULTURE & LANGUAGE & MEXICO IS THE US'S NEIGHBOR.MEXICANS AREN'T THE ONLY ILLEGALS HERE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS. THINK OF WHAT U SAY & WHAT U DO REMEMBER JUDGEMENT DAY IS COMING TO ALL
Today's Stories
Advertisement