List is an insidious tactic

The tactics of those opposed to illegal immigrants took a disturbing turn in Utah on Tuesday.

A list of some 1,300 people purported to be illegal immigrants living throughout Utah — including personal information such as the names of their children, pregnant women's due dates and dates of birth — was sent to law enforcement, key state and government officials and agencies, as well as Utah news organizations.

The purpose of compiling the list — according to a cover letter — is "to insist that your agency take immediate and forceful action to the individuals on this list and begin deportation now." Even more concerning, the letter states, "Some of the women on the list are pregnant at this time and steps should be taken for immediate deportation."This tack is chilling considering that Latino advocates strongly suspect this information was gleaned from government databases. Gov. Gary Herbert, appropriately, has ordered an investigation to determine whether state employees and databases may have been breached.

The list also includes addresses, telephone numbers and Social Security numbers people on the list may have been using. All on the list are Hispanic names, but not all illegal immigrants in state are Latino.

The letter states, "If we do not observe quick action, you will be welcome to explain to the media and the rest of the citizens in the state why you did not perform your duty.

"We will be listening and watching."

It is as-of-yet unclear how many government agencies received the letter and the list. The local federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed it received the letter. ICE officials say its policy is to target dangerous immigrants first.

But the letter makes clear that lists will be provided on a continual basis. The letter, sent by the group Concerned Citizens of the United States, says the group "observes these people in our neighborhoods, driving on our streets, working in our stores, attending our schools and entering our public welfare buildings."

Tony Yapias, director of Proyecto Latino and a former state director of Hispanic Affairs, said people on the list are terrified. More worrisome than deportation, Yapias told the Deseret News, was the fear that "crazy people" could come looking to hurt them or their families.

No question, Congress needs to begin work on immigration reform. That is something on which people on all sides of this debate seem to agree. But these sorts of tactics do not move the nation any closer to a solution. They incite fear and suppress the thoughtful dialogue that needs to occur regarding these complex issues. Government officials must identify the source of this information and hold anyone who has illegally obtained this information accountable.