Posted on 09/21/2006 8:07:30 PM PDT by Ladycalif
NATIONAL CITY – In response to Mayor Nick Inzunza's declaration that he wants National City to become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, the city's police union stated that its members will continue to comply with state and federal law and not fall prey to the “political whims of a misinformed politician.”
* Letter: National City police
During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Dennis Leach, president of the National City Police Officers Association, read aloud a letter addressed to the council, city manager, city staff and “conspicuously absent mayor.”
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006 Time: 11 am - 1 pm
Come early for safety purposes. Buddy system at all times, bring cameras, camcorders and lots of flags!!
Where: Civic Center, 1243 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (6 blocks east of I-5)
Park: Along 12th St, east of 'A' Ave. or at the Martin Luther King Center, at Kimball Park. You can also park at the civic center lot, but it may not be as secure as street parking according to NCPD.
ping
I believe we had two names for National City when I was in San Diego, as a member of the USN.
National Sh!+y or Little Subic City.
ping
September 15, 2006
Honorable council members, City Manager, City Staff and conspicuously absent Mayor.
In Regard to Mayor Nick Inzunza's recent comments declaring National City a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, the National City Police Officers Association will continue to advise its members that the political whimsy of one individual does not and will not influence us, or deter us from our official duties in regard to the enforcement of the law. We, as police officers, will continue to follow the law, as we have always done, in matters concerning illegal immigration.
Our members swore an oath to uphold all the laws of this land, local, state and "federal". Further, we will continue to assist all other law enforcement entities so long as their actions are lawful.
We have a Department Policy concerning illegal immigration issues that is totally and completely consistent with state and federal law. We will advise our members to continue in a manner consistent with our Department Policy.
That being said, I doubt seriously if the citizens that we serve want their parks and undeveloped areas declared safe-havens for Illegal immigration. If the Mayors "Proclamation", was taken seriously and actually enforced, then technically Al Queda could hold training camp in Kimball Park, Osama Bin Laden could walk to our new proposed football stadium or the Naval base and our local Police Officers would simply look the other way.
You might laugh but the reality is we currently do not even have adequate staffing to proactively pursue vice, drug and local gang problems in our city, let alone try and do immigration enforcement duties. In the course of our duties we do routinely come in contact with illegal immigrants and we will treat everyone with respect and dignity as we enforce the law, not the political flavor of the month.
Immigration issues are a part of Homeland security concerns of which local law enforcement plays a critical role. I do hope that the Mayors' comments will not cost the city and Police Department the hundreds of thousands of dollars that despite his denials, we do in fact receive from the Federal Government each year.
To Congressman Billbray, contrary to what our Mayor says, the men and women that enforce the law in National City do so according to all existing laws not the political whims of a misinformed politician.
Mayor Inzunza has accomplished many positive things for the city of National City during his tenure as Mayor and council person, the National City Police Officers Association appreciates the progress he has overseen and the relationship we have had with him over the years but his recent statements and proposed "Proclamation" are short- sighted and damaging to the progress that all of us have strived to achieve.
As a side issue, the Police Department now has to address several scheduled rallies from both sides of this controversial issue that will further stretch our limited resources, cost the taxpayers of this city, jeopardize public safety and tarnish the image of our fine city.
I implore the remaining members of the city council to take whatever action necessary to curtail this inflammatory move by the mayor that will only prove detrimental to the welfare of this city and its residents.
Dennis Leach, President
National City Police Officers Association
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