From Deseret News archives:
Immigration issue: Opponents & Advocates
Alex Segura
As a Hispanic, Alex Segura stands out in the Utah Minuteman Project crowd of mostly non-Hispanic, white senior citizens.
But he is one of Utah's most vocal advocates for sealing the border and for tougher enforcement of the nation's immigration laws.
"I'm kind of a shock to some people. I'm supposed to be 'down and brown,' " Segura said. "I judge people by their character, not their skin color."
His stand against illegal immigration took him to Arizona in April to stand guard along a stretch of about a quarter mile of tattered, barbed-wire fence that marked the border with Mexico. He plans to return to the border this month.
His determination about the rule of law never faltered, though one night as he peered through the darkness of twisted brambles, he showed sympathy for those who risk their lives to illegally cross the border. He grew up on Salt Lake City's west side and recalls one of his two best friends was white, the other was black.
"The segregation is being perpetrated by the Hispanics themselves," he said. "If they have their community, their community garners control."
Darrel Wood
Darrel Wood of Price took time away from his job and family in April to participate in the Utah Minuteman Project.
Wood, who sees little activism in Price, where illegal immigration isn't as visible as it is in other areas, has also traveled to Salt Lake City to participate in Utah Minuteman Project protests.
It's a sacrifice, he says. "It's something that needs to be taken care of."
Wood questions the legitimacy of a war on terror and war on drugs that doesn't include closing the borders.
"The influx of illegals is not just immigrant farmers," he said. "Illegals are not just Mexican. They're all nationalities . . . some of those people are not good people, they're terrorists.
"I'm worried about my children and future grandchildren," Wood said. He believes illegal immigration is hurting his seven children's education, the health-care system and his tax rates.
Wood sees the need as more urgent after hundreds of Customs and Border Patrol field agents were deployed to help in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Comments
- Snowy roads cause accidents, delays 1:38 p.m.
- Fireplace ignites blaze in family room 1:07 p.m.
- Chain advent calendar countdown 12:58 p.m.
- Police seize stash of masterpieces 12:55 p.m.
- Freeman nails Mandela's charm 12:54 p.m.
- Keep holiday season merry, safe 12:48 p.m.
- Teen hurt while riding on car hood 12:41 p.m.
- CSU bans guns on campus 12:40 p.m.
- Driver killed in Wyoming bus crash 12:37 p.m.
- Washington, Poe set auction records 12:35 p.m.
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- George lost in rivalry hatefest
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Jazz outrun Pacers
- Will Harpring be missed?
- Christmas movies with a message
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
302 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
243 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
189 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
188 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
156 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
120 - Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
118 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
105
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
I've never registered for either party, but have voted the way I wanted to....
Thanks for the second by second analysis. The channel, which I watched, went...
Pre season shows who's best in the state 3 of 5 of Davis starters had one...
Hall doesnt' deserve this award and he won't win it. He definitely deserves...
the whole area is ugly!!
The "HOV" lanes have created unsafe road rage conditions during off peak...
Re: USU Whatever... What was the score last time Utah State played in the...
At this point we need to be honest and question whether Miles even deserves a...
It is unbelievable that a Bob Bennett, who is supposed to be representing the...
Imagine if every father and mother would just live faithfully in their...




You can be the first to comment on this story.