Deseret News | Blind eye to immigration violations

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Blind eye to immigration violations

Anonymous | 2:56 p.m. April 16, 2009

This is a disgrace! Police give the illegals a high five and give the LEGAL citizens the FINGER!!!

BORDERS LANGAUGE CULTURE!!!!
Eric Garrett
American Patriot/Minuteman

Abel | 3:10 p.m. April 16, 2009

The reasoning for doing nothing is the reason this problem is becoming more out of control. The police seem to pick and choose their issues. They don't want to have trouble with illegals or gays, so they cross the street to avoid the problem. I hope that some one somewhere has the guts to do the hard things. Send illegals back, prosecute them if they come back. Arrest gays for indecency in public parks. It is indecent to see two men or two women kissing. The moral fabric of our society is becoming in shreds.

Shamus | 3:14 p.m. April 16, 2009

Our society is becoming more dangerous. The law enforcement officers that we hire now refuse to enforce the law. It becomes more dangerous because private groups will begin to take their own actions.
Illegals are expensive and taxing to our economy. Lets start bussing them back to where they came from.

Comments continue below

hey Americans | 3:17 p.m. April 16, 2009

find the cost of freedom buried in the sand!! we pay the bills now the bums are here to stake their claim ...i am going to join the minuteman society and oh forbid civil rigths of a people who don't even care if they take my job...the police will enforce that for sure...

Lance Davenport | 3:26 p.m. April 16, 2009

I don't get it. LAnce Davenport gets chosen by the Governor to be the colonel of the Highway Patrol, but he doesn't have to obey the law? I will be asking my representative and my senator to cut the budget of the Highway Patrol. Clearly, we don't need troopers on the road who won't enforce the law. We also don't need a Colonel who is lawless and thumbs his nose at the Governor, the Legislature and the people of Utah. Who does Mr. Davenport think is bringing drugs and guns into this state?

How to enforce? | 3:38 p.m. April 16, 2009

Is every officer during every contact with a civilian supposed to ask for documentation proving nation of origin? Do you have that on you - i.e birth cert, green card, passport or something else official? Utah driver's license doesn't have that on there. Do you want to end up in lock up because you couldn't prove you were an American right off the bat? Do brown citizens with an accent deserve that treatment?

Unless I am mistaken, law enforcement offices are saying the law is written in a manner that violates civil rights. So would you rather sacrifice civil rights or some time to write legislation that is enforceable without violating civil rights? Would you complain that your tax dollars were being wasted when this gets sent all the way up to the supreme court? Would the answer be the same if you were the one who spent the night in lock-up?

Patriot | 3:39 p.m. April 16, 2009

What I want to know is what are the peoples representatives going to do about Law Enforcment agency's refusal to enforce any mandatory laws contained within SB 81?? Start calling and e-mailing your state Senators and Represnetatives and demand that they take action against outlaw so called Law enforcment. What you are seeing is the same attitude that illegals brought with them. They don't respect the law or the country that they have invaded. As for our fellow Americans that continue to appease and harbor illegals we need to send them a message. Start with the Governor and Attorney General who are both guilty of appeasing illegals and as for Atty-General Shurtleff he won't admit it but he is one of the biggest appeasers. Folks, we have to demand enforcement. The buck stops with 'We the People." Only by governing through the consent of the people are the authority's legitimate. The vast majority of Utahan's support SB 81 and want any mandatory laws enforced. As for the optional participation components of SB 81 start calling your Mayors and City councils and State representatives. Demand compliance Now!

Highway Patrol does not | 3:44 p.m. April 16, 2009

get paid enough to enforce immigration laws?????

What the crap is this? Let me get this correct before I get to off base.......You stop a vehicle for some "violation"--that is the only reason to stop anyone--right?! You ask for a license and insurance--they don't have one but a "driving card", not much English or none at all--Red Flag. Simply ask for SS card or "green card" or visa! Cannot produce any of the three?

If they were drunk they go to jail and you get paid to do that job--right?!

Not drunk but in the USA and Utah as illegal--take them to jail...this takes more salary than the above?!

Hey Gov...what is the deal?

He cops....I don't want a drivers license--I just want a driving card as a good white American citizen so I can get away with this type of BS.

Dave | 3:44 p.m. April 16, 2009

Clearly, the legislature needs to re-write the laws so its' not "OPTIONAL"! Then if cities and counties want to ignore the law, they need to face some sort of financial sanctions!

Go ahead break the law! | 3:50 p.m. April 16, 2009

Amazing, the crowd the police were talking to already BROKE THE LAW by coming here. That's why they are called ILLEGAL ALIENS. Why don't the police do a poll of those same people of how many have stolen identities so they can find a job! Is that good enough to get arrested?
It's too bad we care more about hurt feelings and someone being "profiled" than upholding the law.
I saw 4 or 5 policeman dishing out speeding tickets on Bangerter Hwy today like they were candy. Can't we put that energy into something more serious like illegal immigration? Just think of the possibilities. . .

Hey, here is an idea! | 4:07 p.m. April 16, 2009

Take some of my tax money and have one of these meetings with free food and drinks on a weekly basis. Have the Fed Immingation boys working the get-to-gether as "stealth security".

In order to leave the meeting you must show some ID that allows you to be in the USA? No showeee....no goeeee--except onto the deportation bus.

I hate to say it but one of these days there may be another "remember the Alamo" chant, and I can tell you the end result will be much different.

No racial profiling!!! | 4:13 p.m. April 16, 2009

I am a white native of Utah. My Hispanic wife just immigrated here from El Salvador and we have gone to a great deal of effort to overcome an antiquated, outdated immigration system so she could come the right way.

We waited almost one year for the processing of her fiance visa, another three months for her approval processing, and another four months for her permanent resident and employment authorization (aka green) cards!

I am sick and tired of out-of-touch politicians writing these racially motivated laws that single out people like my wife just because she is Hispanic!

My wife and I spent over a year and a half dealing with a bureaucratic, broken, and boorish immigration system.

My wife will likely feel less inclined to report crimes and help the police if she was ignored because of her Latin ethnic background. And I, her husband, don't want to have to deal with that conflict of interest.

My wife and I have worked so hard to do this legally, the right way...

I just wish politicians like Rep. Mike Noel and others would just keep their racist laws to themselves and leave the rest of us alone.

Fire them | 4:27 p.m. April 16, 2009

Sinmce when are the police replacing the elected Legislature and Governor?

The job of the police is to obey the law and enforce the law, period. Incase no-one told Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank and police chiefs from Park City and West Valley City and Utah Highway Patrol Col. Lance Davenport, this applies to them personally.

Since they have no integrity, they are still on the job and breaking the law, then they should be fired immediately and subject to immediate prosecution.

Disgusted in Salt Lake

The new approach | 4:38 p.m. April 16, 2009

Watch it happen before your eyes, making victims out of illegal aliens in the name of racial profiling.
That will be the thrust of the Obama run on immigration reform this year.
It was reinforced earlier this week when Homeland Security declared that rightwing extremists who disagree with current immigration policy are potentially dangerous due to racial overtones. Local police got that bulletin. Ask them about it.
When you think about it, this racial tension was CREATED by our government when they failed to enforce the law for decades.
What else can you conclude when you realize that over half of the new arrivals to the US in the last 15 years have come here ILLEGALLY.

Car Salesman | 4:45 p.m. April 16, 2009

I reluctantly sell used cars for a living (I know I'm probably scum to many, but I'm legal scum). Anyway, I was pulling credit on a Mexican on Monday and his social security number did not work. So he gave me another number and it had bad credit, so he gave me a third and then a fourth social security number until he had one with good credit. I didn't sell him a car nor did I process his loan. I can't wait until Huntsman, Becker, and Burbank have their identification/social security # stolen by one of these illegals!!!

Blame goes to Rep. Noel | 4:53 p.m. April 16, 2009

It's not the police's fault. They are just trying to enforce the law and have been backed into a corner by Rep. Noel and his cohorts with "retribution".

Rep. Noel needs to withdraw this racist, irresponsible, and discriminatory law immediately. If not, it is almost certain that a lawsuit will be pending to overthrow it.

re: No Racial Profiling!!!! | 5:07 p.m. April 16, 2009

Woundn't it be nice if every immigrant did it the right and legal way. That way no one would question your wife. It is all the illegals that make it hard on those who immigrated here legally.

NL | 5:15 p.m. April 16, 2009

My son is a police officer and has to follow orders even though he feels it is completly wrong. His department has a major problem with illegal immigrants but can do very little due our current lack of direction to enforce our laws. We elect these people and we deserve what we get. I hear about the concerns of the silent majority, maybe they should not be silent anymore but be a voice of concern. Utah leads the nation in illegal immigration growth, what a compliment to our leaders. California has been a sancutary state and they are broke, Utah will be soon with our lack of concern. We are known as a sanctuary state. I enjoy paying taxes to take care of the people who are here enjoying free medical, education and well as welfare benefits. The taxes I pay should benefit my family not people who are here illegal. We will soon be like California. I believe in lawful immigration not breaking the law of the land. The direction we are going we will be a third world country owned by China. What a future to look forward to.

Seth | 5:22 p.m. April 16, 2009

All you minutemen ever do is whine... as an ILLEGAL alien, with no social security and no one to fall back on, ,y father came to this country and worked his tail off. He did not ask or receive anything from anyone. Never comitted a crime (yes, besides being an illegal immigrant, I can already hear people going off about that)He paid taxes and never received services Americans take for granted. He did not whine and he made more out of himself than the average Joe. He did not make excuses like you. I think it's so pathetic that illegal aliens (people who for the most part do not have a college or even high school education) beat you out for jobs!!! You have such a head start on them and they get a job over you? YOU can go to college but choose not to. Don't blame your loss of jobs to illegal immigrants, blame it on your lazyness...

I personally believe your country needs more people like him, he seems a lot like your FOREFATHERS. They'd be ashamed of what a lot of lazy citizens you've become...

Let's See | 5:42 p.m. April 16, 2009

Of upwards of 20 million illegal Mexicans, it is estimated that of the adults (roughly half of the illegals), 80% work. Nearly all of those work at jobs where income taxes and FICA are deducted. So that is 8 million people paying into social security that won't collect it and paying taxes on which they would receive nearly all of it back if they filed. Add that to the retail purchases they make to live, it is not really a bad deal for the rest of us. The real impact would be if they all left at once.

Hippocrates | 5:45 p.m. April 16, 2009

In Utah, the most conservative State, we want our local and State police officers cross deputized to give them Federal Officer powers?? It makes no sense no matter what the issue. Be careful of what you wish for.

RE: Seth | 6:26 p.m. April 16, 2009

Nice Try!

it's an unneccesary law | 6:27 p.m. April 16, 2009

1. All officers of the law at any level are sworen in to uphold the law anyways. All officers of the law should already be arresting illegal aliens.

2. This law is optional. There was nothing stoping an officer from being crossed deputized to begin with.

3. There is nothing in the law that authorizes profiling so why is that the issue??

Get rid of these political correct liberal leaders.

The... | 6:42 p.m. April 16, 2009

Federal Government is the one who needs to step up and enforce this law. I think the local cops are doing a great job arresting criminals, both citizens or non citizens and detaining them and I don't see anything wrong with the Immigration Agents in every State or Territories of the United States of America, visiting the jails to check on residency legal status of non citizen inmates...

BearOne | 7:09 p.m. April 16, 2009

Do any of you people who are critical of law enforcement's stance ever take the time to READ the law??
Utah code 67-5-26 (which was SB81 (2008)) does not REQUIRE law enforcement to do anything--it enables them to work with Feds on these problems, but does not REQUIRE it!!! In no place in the law does it say they SHALL become immigration enforcers.

The law does state that the Utah AG SHALL sign a memo of understanding with the Feds----and it also sayes that whenever possible, sheriffs SHALL check immigration status of arrested persons.

I would suggest that before some of you people make idiots of yourselves on here---that you take the time to research the actual law and requirements.
Perhaps your children could explain it to you if you are unable to comprehend it.

Our law enforcement people have enough to do without being forced to do the Feds work for them.
I would rather that they spend their time protecting us from REAL criminals.

Re: Car Salesman | 7:23 p.m. April 16, 2009

Did you call the authorities on the fella? If you didn't, you should have.

Ahso | 7:27 p.m. April 16, 2009

Old news. The highway patrol is under the Governors jurisdiction, the Salt Lake police answer to the Mayor who answers to the Salt Lake Chamber if commerce. Park citys Mayor answers to the rich who use illegals in 21st century slavery.

The Governor and the SLCC tried to kill the bill. Utah is a stepping stone for Huntsman, and he could care less about the average Utahn worker. With 78% of Utahns favoring enforcement maybe impeachment should be considered?

Just like drug laws, Feds and Local are responsible. Unless chief Burbank refuses to enforce drug laws, and the ethnic profiling that goes with stopping the drugs coming from Mexico. He is the one who is violating the laws based on ethnic origin.

Gaining the support from illegals, but losing it from Americans will do more damage to an already volatile situation.

Delaware Bob | 7:59 p.m. April 16, 2009

ENFORCE THE LAW! It's time for ZERO TOLLERENCE with these ILLEGAL ALIENS!!!

to Seth | 8:59 p.m. April 16, 2009

Completely agreed! You people get off your lazy butts and start working for your families instead of complaining about other people for doing so.
It is ridiculous and you should be ashamed for blaming everything on immigrants. Namely crime, jobs, economy, etc. Guess what? it is not their fault at all! Instead, they give more to the economy than they take away. They pay taxes, and get nothing in return.
Lets get over ourselves people.

Ahso | 9:17 p.m. April 16, 2009

This is not a good way to bring a community together. The Salt Lake police and Highway patrol are showing favoritism towards an ethnic group by not enforcing the laws. We profile for drugs and smuggling. You have no excuse.

I suggest those that think this is a victimless crime do some reading and studying.

Re: Seth | 8:16 a.m. April 17, 2009

So, your "law-abiding" illegal immigrant dad paid his taxes, eh?

If that's true, then how did he get a social security number if he wasn't a legal immigrant? You need an valid SSN to legally file a tax return. To get a valid SSN you have to have a green card.

I suspect your "law-abiding" father did what most illegal immigrants do today: He made one up, or he used someone else's. Both are serious federal crimes. Your father defrauded the US government.

Either that, or he never bothered to actually pay income taxes. Which, once again, is what illegal aliens who work on a "cash only" basis do.

This is actually a good thing | 8:32 a.m. April 17, 2009

For the Minutemen, that is.

I've always believed the most effective tool anti-illegal immigrant activists have is the immigrants themselves. When people are exposed to the reality of illegal immigration they inevitably turn against amnesty and politicians who support it.

For example, back in 2006 when the local Hispanic community called for a day of protest their kids responded by driving downtown dressed in gangbanger clothing, snarling traffic, waving Mexican flags, yelling at people in Spanish.

The resulting backlash killed any sentiments for an Amnesty bill and instead fueled support for SB81.

The open refusal of law enforcement agencies to crack down on lawlessness in the Hispanic community, combined with the breathtaking arrogance and cultural chauvinism of the Hispanics themselves will only deepen the divisions and strenghten the backlash.

Illegal immigrants could get away with thumbing their noses at Americans when the economy was red-hot and there were labor shortages.

They won't be able to get away with it when the unemployment rate tops 10% and American citizens are wondering where their next paycheck is coming from.

Taxes | 10:00 a.m. April 17, 2009

I am no CPA but can someone explain to me how a illegal allien "pays taxes" when they don't have a social security number? When I file my taxes I do so by using my SSN. Was there a big line at the post office on Wednesday with illegals trying to pay their taxes so they can be good honest citizens? If the police are going to start cherry-picking which laws they inforce, I think we as a society should start cherry-picking which laws we choose to obey. Starting with the annoying phone calls from the police to donate to their charities. No more money from me.

MuddleVanHeck | 10:46 a.m. April 17, 2009

I'm pretty convinced that this "cherry-picking" of enforcement can be tied directly to the budget cutting each law enforcement agency would receive once criminal activity began to disappear. After all, each police officer I've known has a strong opposition to this illegal invasion and the crime that ensues.

A person would be an IDIOT not to see the money-groveling administrators and their projections.

Nice. It's only our safety! It's ONLY THE LAW!

To Taxes | 11:14 a.m. April 17, 2009

Pro-amnesty folks argue that illegals pay sales tax and other miscellaneous taxes, and therefore "pay taxes". Anyone with a modicum of intelligence knows this is a 'spin' argument. These 'taxes' turn out to be a pittance when compared to the income and FICA taxes they are NOT paying. Not to mention, in the case of Mexicans, that they are sending half their money back to Mexico.

Anonymous | 12:56 p.m. April 17, 2009

Illegals working with false, stolen or fradulent Social Security numbers are felons. ENFORCE THE LAW! ARREST THEM!!!

Deece | 3:38 p.m. April 17, 2009

Illegal Aliens are parasites who exploit the benefits and public services funded by honest, hard working native and naturalized citizens who have been paying taxes for years and decades. There is no valid argument to justify allocating our tax dollars to support ILLEGAL aliens who defy our laws by sneaking into our country.

We are all people | 6:03 p.m. April 28, 2009

Has anyone of you ever heard the song this land is your land this land is my land we are all people no matter where we are from. I am a US citzen married to an illegal alien. We have 3 children which are also us citizens we are all immigrants besides the NATIVE AMERICANS we all came from somewhere else. Singling out a specific race in crime there are just as many blacks,whites, and latinos in jail for the same crimes and where was crystal meth invented in the US so you cant say that illegal aliens are the only ones who are bringing drugs into this country. And illegal aliens come here and work not suck the government benefits. ALiens who pay taxes do so with a tax id number so not all of them are bad. Many are coming here so that they can support their families just like me or you again we are all people not aliens

Anonymous | 1:51 p.m. Aug. 3, 2009

Not all immigrants use false papers... therre are a lot of who try to do things completely legal and end up in a worse situation that someone who tries everything illegally ... each of these cases need to be looked at on an individual bases

Anonymous | 7:54 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

If the people have spoken, and we say our police are to take actions against illegal aliens then they need to do it! If you come into a country illegally, you need to leave. You can't use our resources and then give nothing in return, expecting everyone else to pay your bills and learn spanish. This is the USA, english speaking, and we have spoken! send them home!

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