TUESDAY 5:00 PM--Protest against Costa Mesa's Decision to Deputize Police for Immigration Duty
Protest against Costa Mesa's Decision to Deputize Police Officers
COSTA MESA- On Tuesday, January 03, concerned citizens forming a collective
called Tonantzin will converge upon the Costa Mesa City Council in protest
of the City Council's decision to train city police to enforce immigration
law. The measure was approved by the council on December 7, 2005. Costa
Mesa will be the first United States city to merge police and immigration
duties.
This measure raises concern amongst the Mexican Central and South American
community. How will officers distinguish between those who are legal and
illegal? Will all who come in contact with police be asked to validate
citizenship? people will be subject to racial profiling, based on
appearance and surname. The measure will also erode relations between
immigrants and police, as immigrants will fear reporting crimes.
Furthermore, vigilantism may increase, as residents may attack and harass
Hispanics they believe to be illegal.
Police officers are not border patrol agents! All are invited to demand
the repeal of the City Council's decision and prevent racial profiling and
unfair attacks on immigrants in Costa Mesa.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 03, 2005
TIME/WHERE: Protest begins at 5PM at the Costa Mesa City Council (77 Fair
Drive)
Why: Tonantzin collective has 4 demands: 1) The re-opening of the day Labor
cite. 2). The withdrawal of the vote that will give power to certain police
officers to enforce immigration law. 3) The recall of those city council
official who voted for the closing of the day labor cite and the proposal
that will give power to police officers to enforce immigration laws. 4)
Respect, dignity and work for all people.
Press contact: Coyotl Tezcalipoca, matlazinka@hotmail.com
Phone 714 299-8817
Sources:
"Costa Mesa police will enforce immigration law." Overley, Jeff.
Orange County Register. Dec. 7, 2005.
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