Callers support Irving's deportation policy

DallasNews ^ | September 28, 2007 | Brandon Formby

[Man50D]

The phone calls started pouring in at Irving City Hall on Thursday morning.

They were prompted by activists who implored a crowd of more than 1,000 people at a rally Wednesday night to call for an end to a program that turns over arrested illegal immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But most callers weren't asking for an end to the program – they were voicing their support.

"It was ringing over and over, and by far, the biggest percent was in favor," City Secretary Janice Carroll said Thursday afternoon.

Irving police last year began using what's called the 24/7 Criminal Alien Program. It provides for around-the-clock communication with federal authorities and is designed to detain illegal immigrants who have been accused of a crime. It's the latest tool being used by local governments in the absence of a federal overhaul of immigration laws. So far, Irving police have turned over more than 1,600 people to immigration officials.

Mayor Herbert Gears estimates that about 300 people in Irving are being turned over each month – more than in any other city in the nation. He said city officials are obligated to uphold the law and will continue to use the program, which is available to any city that wishes to participate.

"Of the 200 e-mails I've read so far, one is negative and all the rest are positive," Mr. Gears said Thursday afternoon. "People are very overwhelmingly supporting what we are doing."

Carlos Quintanilla, a Hispanic activist and an organizer of Wednesday's rally, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Two supporters of the program were arrested Wednesday night after being accused of assaulting Hispanics in the crowd. Police said Teresa Williams, 61, was charged with assault and failure to identify herself, both Class C misdemeanors.

[Spok]

How about a sensible version of those ridiculous gun buy backs: turn in an illegal alien and get a shiny new Colt Commander?

[wolfcreek]

“end to a program that turns over arrested illegal immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

KEYWORD: ARRESTED

Must be tough living in the *Shadows* behind bars.

[Travis McGee]

[Travis McGee]

[Bigoleelephant]

I am very proud of my cities. I grew up in Irving and now live in Farmers Branch. Both taking the lead on illegal immigration. Maybe I should move to Los Angeles.

[Kimberly GG]

Prosecute AND detain until we EFFECTIVELY SECURE THE BORDERS.

THEN deport.

Otherwise, they’ll will be back tomorrow to offend again.

6 MONTHS.

President DUNCAN HUNTER will have the border effectively secured in 6 MONTHS.

[Oatka]

The phone calls started pouring in at Irving City Hall on Thursday morning.
They were prompted by activists who implored a crowd of more than 1,000 people at a rally Wednesday night to call for an end to a program that turns over arrested illegal immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
But most callers weren't asking for an end to the program – they were voicing their support.

Pile it on. Drop the mayor a line of support at mayor@cityofirving.org

I suggest you voice your support in the Subject line as he or his staff are too busy to wade through the body of the letter.

[glorgau]

But most callers weren't asking for an end to the program – they were voicing their support.

It was a rigged poll - the only ones counted were those that pressed "1" for English.

[Walvoord]

“I am very proud of my cities. I grew up in Irving and now live in Farmers Branch. Both taking the lead on illegal immigration.”

I live in Plano and my city government won’t lift a finger despite what is obviously happening to east Plano right under everyone’s eyes.

[Bigoleelephant]

I work in Plano. I know exactly what you mean. Interesting too being that Plano is a conservative town.

[george76]

The lives of 12 U.S. citizens would be saved who otherwise die a violent death at the hands of murderous illegal aliens each day.

Another 13 Americans would survive who are otherwise killed each day by uninsured drunk driving illegals.

Our hospital emergency rooms would not be flooded with everything from gunshot wounds, to anchor babies, to imported diseases to hangnails, giving American citizens the day off from standing in line behind illegals.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/ia05_king/col_20060505_bite.html

[george76]

Charged with molesting a 12-year-old girl, Juan Leonardo Qunitero had been deported back to Mexico in 1999 as an illegal alien. Nevertheless, last week, he was back in the U.S., living comfortably in a city that prohibited police from asking anyone about their immigration status.

Rodney Johnson was a 12-year veteran on the Houston police force. Married with five children, he was big, kind-hearted and unafraid of working the toughest gang beats or late-night shifts.