Posted on 06/26/2002 6:28:31 PM PDT by csvset
Men taking photos at Navy base held by INS Four of the men were unable to provide authorities proof of citizenship, or their immigration status. A fifth, who could produce documentation, was released. ``They were down by one of the piers shooting photographs, like they were tourists, or something,'' said Cmdr. Mark McDonald, a spokesman for the Navy's Mid-Atlantic Region, headquartered in Norfolk. They were seen standing on the quay wall near the head of Pier 7. ``Some of our security guards asked what was going on and they really couldn't produce any explanation of why they were there. They didn't have a base sticker (on their vehicle), or authority to be on the base,'' he said. All five, believed to be in their mid 20s, were taken into custody and questioned by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, said McDonald. ``They were very cooperative and apologetic with our people. ``They did not think they were doing anything illegal. However, when they were questioned, some of them were concerned about their immigration status. That was the big thing on their mind.'' When they were unable to produce proper identification, or certification of citizenship, INS was called and determined their paperwork was not in order. They are from Mexico, El Salvador and Colombia, according to Ernestine Fobbs, an INS spokeswoman in Washington. It was determined they were in the United States illegally, or had overstayed their visa restrictions, she said. They will be held in jail pending a hearing before an immigration judge within the next 30 days. None was identified by name. Ever since the overseas terrorists' bombing of the Norfolk-based destroyer Cole, Oct. 12, 2000, plus the attacks in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, military bases such as Norfolk's have tightened security significantly. Normally everyone inside a vehicle must show photo identification, have proper authorization to enter the base and is subject to being searched. It has not been determined how the group got inside the base, McDonald said. No criminal charges were filed by Navy authorities. Reach Jack Dorsey at jdorsey@pilotonline.com or 446-2284.
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 27, 2002
NORFOLK -- Five Hispanic men taking photos near a Norfolk Naval Station pier were detained Tuesday afternoon by police and immigration officials after obtaining access to the facility without permission.
Sorry security, poor documentation, lax policies and porous borders will be the death of us.
Frikin' heads better be a'rollin!
This is un-friken'-believable.
Times are changing. Unfortunately for the worse.
You did not read this post properly. From the article:
"They will be held in jail pending a hearing before an immigration judge within the next 30 days. "
People from all over the world come here illegally, break our laws and what do they care about? Only if they're going to be deported. Well gee I hope so. It would be a lot better if they weren't allowed in to begin with.
The enlisted troops at the gate, charged with eye-balling each and every vechile that wants to enter the base, need to be fired. So does the Shift Supervisor, as well as the OIC of Security. Unforgivable, given the current situation. Accountability - accountability - accountability.
This from a retired USAF E-7. Once stopped two Asian looking gents (turned out to be tourists from Jap.) on the Nellis flight line. They were having a fine time taking pictures of Red Flag jets - right out ON the line. Did not understand one word of English, near as I could tell - but body language is universal. Especially coming from a 6'6" GI with a firm grip on each shoulder.
When the SP's showed up I read them the riot act, "taking a nap or what?" Their OIC (one each very puffy 1st LT) shows up and threatens me with charges for being verbally abusive to his troops. My response was, "I'll worry about that after I watch your trial for dereliction of duty, LT. Do you realize these two foreigners were walking among our jets - jets from other countries? You want to talk UCMJ charges? You are lucky all these guys were carrying was cameras! And they were on YOUR flight line, LT! You are the OIC! What I see is a complete failure on your part to enforce security of this flight line - that would be your JOB, LT!"
The cool part was that he (the LT) came down to my shop the next day and apologized for being an ass. I told him that I thought he should have never seen this - the car should have been stopped at the gate! A rental vehicle - no base sticker! That part of security was not his realm, in fairness. But I drilled home the points that, 1) maybe your end should have more coordination with the LE (gate) folks, 2) irreguardless, these "tourists" made it on to YOUR flighline - had they intended to do damage, they could have done so easily, 3) I've been in the USAF a lot longer than you have, it's obvious your commission does not mean you know everything - listen and learn.
That occured in 1986.
Shocks me to see that the same type crap is going on.
Fire some folks - kick them out of the service.
It's called accountibility.
LVM
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