Cop Killing Sparks Immigration Debate- Houston

[Yaberdaber]

Sept. 25, 2006 — The shooting of a Houston police officer has sparked a new battle over immigration.

Juan Leonardo Quintero, an illegal immigrant, has been charged with killing a Houston police officer last week after a routine traffic stop.

Police Chief Harold Hurtt blamed the federal government for failing to secure U.S. borders.

Quintero allegedly shot Officer Rodney Johnson four times in the head while in handcuffs in the back seat of his patrol car.

Johnson arrested Quintero during a routine traffic stop for speeding but apparently missed the suspect's gun in a pat-down search.


Following the shooting, a video showed Houston police officers pulling open the back doors of Johnson's patrol car and yanking the suspect out of the back seat.


"It's very easy to make a mistake. I am not saying a mistake was made," one Houston police officer said. "Unfortunately, we are in the business where a mistake can kill you."

The suspect should not have been in the United States.

Quintero was deported in 2004 after a conviction for indecency with a child.

"The subject was deported, and yet he came back, so if the government fulfilled their responsibility of protecting the border we would probably not be standing here today," Hurtt said.

The Houston Police Department has been struggling this year to deal with the influx of Katrina evacuees and an immigration problem that is only getting worse.

Border Patrol said thousands of illegal immigrants crossed into the United States each month.

Johnson received a commendation for valor for pulling several children from a burning building.

He leaves behind a wife who is also a police officer and their five children.



http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2487004&page=1

[DavidWidman]

You can lay the blame for the officer's killing on the Mayor and Chief of Police who refuse to "bother" illegal aliens in Houston. What a shame and what a waste.

D.W.

[2ndamendsis]

If this officer had to die, then let some good come from it.

I pray that Houston is turned upside down and Americans DEMAND for their laws to be enforced and changed if necessary.

I pray that this man will be a catalyst to insight some COURAGE in Houstonians before another is cut down

Texas needs a new battle cry so hopefully, this officer will be the final straw. Let his unnecessary death not be wasted by ILLEGAL TRASH and Washington pissants.

[ALIPAC]

added to the homepage with the following note

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=N ... e&sid=1535

Note: ALIPAC has contacted the Houston police department and encouraged them to join the 287(g) program to arrest and detain illegal aliens. This program enjoys the support of over 81% of America's legal citizens and will result in thousands of illegal aliens leaving the Houston area once it is in deployed.

[Dixie]

"Houston, we have a problem".

Houston has a link in the Focus Campaign. Everyone should write and call the mayor and tell him how he is at fault for the crimes committed by illegal aliens in Houston. Since this is a strong mayor council, he can control what is brought before the council.

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=F ... ic&t=39463

The mayor will not make a move towards ending sanctuary policies that are built into the city charter. He is blocking attempts to change the city policies.

"Immigration Rights March & Protest" through downtown Houston on Labor Day... speakers include Councilwoman Carol Alvarado...calling for legislation that will grant permanent residency for unauthorized residents."

Dixie