Posted on 11/21/2001 4:20:43 PM PST by anniegetyourgun
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police are refusing to help the FBI question Middle Eastern immigrants hauled in as part of the terror investigation, saying the practice violates Oregon law.
The Justice Department asked local law enforcement agencies around the country for help tracking down 5,000 men for questioning about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But acting Police Chief Andrew Kirkland refused.
"The law does not allow us to go out and arbitrarily interview people whose only offense is immigration or citizenship," he said Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney Michael Mosman, the chief federal prosecutor in Oregon, said the questioning is legal, but added: "I'm supportive of their right to decide not to do this particular task."
The FBI refused to comment.
Mayor Vera Katz on Wednesday said the city objected to certain questions that would be asked of those on the list. She did not offer details but said police may reconsider if the questions are changed.
Civil rights activists applauded the city's decision.
"These young men of Middle Eastern descent are being rounded up for questioning without any basis or suspicion or probable cause. So basically it comes down to racial profiling. It isn't OK with African-Americans so it shouldn't be OK for any other racial group or ethnic group," said Zaha Hassan of the Middle East subcommittee of the National Lawyers Guild.
Mosman said the list of 5,000 was drawn up to gather information and denied it was akin to profiling. "It's just because we know less than we need to know about terrorism, and this is a way to learn more," he said.
In San Francisco, police spokesman Jim Deignan said there had been no formal FBI request for help from the city, but "we'll cooperate with the federal authorities."
In Minneapolis, police spokewoman Cyndi Montgomery said the police chief would look closely at any request to help with interviews.
"The department hasn't made a decision as to whether such interviewed might conflict with racial profiling policies," she said.
Then let the civil rights activists defend the city from terrorists. If they think they are immune....they are wrong.
Replaces? The ENTIRE Pacific Northwest ... Washington and Oregon are teeming with liberals. Didn't most of these people vote Nader?
Pull their Federal Grants!
Portland - Eugene Axis?
Since 9-11 the fedgov has been over reaching its power.
If you don't enforce the laws you had in place, then you should resign and let a new batch in.
I agree pull Portland's fed gov bribery scam.
We lost 3600 people because of the fed gov's failure to do its job, do you expect anything else to change.
Remember the leaders didn't change they are still as vile and venal as before.
You want to had the condit's the Kennedy's the jefford's of the world more power.
You how support the illegal fed gov's actions against Portland, better check real fast to see who is really in charge.
Remember professional politicians are thieves and liars and need to be stopped every time they try to expand their powers.
All I am saying is that those who would do this to people in the US are the same ones who ran WACO, Ruby Ridge, and probably OKC.
We are the slave who says to the master protect us as he beats the next slave over.
So you end up giving up a little security for safety, next thing you know is you don't have any security or safety.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.