Thread: Fox 4 viewers jam ICE phones, demanding answers in the Widma

Fox 4 viewers jam ICE phones, demanding answers in the Widman case

Why did Immigration and Customs Enforcement let Abel Arango go? If he'd been deported as ordered, or failing that, had been rigorously tracked after release, Officer Andrew Widman might be alive today. The system failed to protect him, or us. What went wrong? What have we learned? Did ICE do everything it was supposed to do? What tools or laws does it need to do a better job? What insight can ICE managers give us on what needs to happen next, if anything, to fix this? As we've reported, not only is ICE unwilling to go on camera to discuss these questions, yesterday its regional spokeswoman, Barbara Gonzalez of Miami, expressed outrage that we're daring to ask. We pointed out to our viewers last night and this morning that, supposedly, we live in a democracy, and we suggested that if these public servants won't talk to us, maybe they'll talk to you. We gave you some contact information for Special Agent Anthony Mangione, the person we were told was Gonzalez' superior, and suggested that if you have an opinion about whether ICE should step up and address these issues for you, to give them a call.

Boy, did you.

Last night, ICE called us to beg for mercy, complaining that your calls were jamming their switchboards. Indeed, we had pointed out that the phone number was good for regular business hours only, but many of you were so worked up about ICE's response that you couldn't wait. We heard from ICE again this morning. Washington-based ICE Press Secretary Kelly Nantel called to say that while Mangione was one of Gonzalez' superiors, he wasn't the right one, and that in any case, we should be directing viewer calls to the office of Public Affairs, not to the local decision makers. We explained that we were looking to put viewers in contact with someone in actual authority (not with a press office whose job it is to deflect those calls from the people who make the decisions). In that pursuit, we have good news, and bad news.

The good news is, Nantel gave us new contact information for a manager she assures us is in authority for investigations in our region. That person is:

Michael Rozos
Special Agent in Charge of Investigations
954-545-6037
Email: michael.rozos@dhs.gov

But here's the bad news. He's not going to talk to you. Nantel says Rozos will automatically forward all calls and e-mails from the public to her, the press secretary, for handling. And she adds, no matter how many people call, ICE has provided all the information it intends to provide and is not giving interviews to us or anyone else on this matter. Period. We went so far as to point out that this is no minor story -- a grieving community is burying a police officer today who need not have died. She said she understands that -- but no interviews.

Still, rest assured, your overwhelming response has been heard all the way to Washington. The more calls and e-mails the bureaucrats continue to get, the greater the likelihood that someone will have the courage, and the decency, to step up, embrace the democratic process, and explain themselves to you face to face.

Out of respect for Officer Widman and this family -- this, after all, should be their day -- Fox 4 is not pursuing any additional Arango stories today. Our coverage will focus solely on today's memorials. But we'll continue asking these questions in the days ahead.

http://www.fox4now.com/Global/story.asp?S=8722087

I love to see the screws turned at every opportunity! Pressure from the people does work. Never forget, these folks work for us.

It seems that no matter how much we want this to stop these Illegals keep killing innocent people everyday, and no one ever get's held totally accountable for letting this happen!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Sir:

Officer Widman - and this family -- are example of lacking concern from the federal, state and local governments on illegals and illegal criminals' problems in our country.

Fix this country, now, deport all illegals and criminal illegals.

Close all borders totally.

Visitors need to fly into the United States, only!

God is watching and Americans are too,

Thanks for posting this Dragonfire.

I think calling our FL. Congress members might get some results !

Sounds like Gonzales isn't doing her job and needs to be investigated !

Well, this station needs to turn their attention to Congressman Price and the House Ways and Means Committee trying to strip the DHS, ICE from money. We need to let that public know that Nancy Pelosi, Price, Baca, and many others are working AGAINST THEM THE AMERICAN CITIZEN AND THEY NEED TO FLOOD THEIR OFFICES WITH CALLS.


Has anyone else tried the link? It's very slow. I can't figure out the location of this murder. What state?

Originally Posted by Gogo

Well, this station needs to turn their attention to Congressman Price and the House Ways and Means Committee trying to strip the DHS, ICE from money. We need to let that public know that Nancy Pelosi, Price, Baca, and many others are working AGAINST THEM THE AMERICAN CITIZEN AND THEY NEED TO FLOOD THEIR OFFICES WITH CALLS.


Has anyone else tried the link? It's very slow. I can't figure out the location of this murder. What state?

It's the top story Gogo, probably accounting for the slow feed. The State is Florida. Thanks for posting dragonfire!


FMPD Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty
Remembering Officer Andrew Widman: 1978-2008

Fort Myers Police Officer, Andrew Widman, 30, is dead after being shot point blank during a disturbance call early Friday morning.

Officers say 26-year-old Abel Arango of Naples fatally shot police Officer Andrew Widman in the face in downtown Fort Myers.

The incident started in front of a nightclub at Main and Patio De Leon and ended near Main and Broadway with two people dead. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call in the area of Patio De Leon just after 2 a.m. When they arrived, Arango and his girlfriend, Crystal Turcotte, were involved in a violent dispute. When Officer Widman tried to intervene, Arango pulled a 9mm gun, shot and killed the police officer. Offficer Widman never had a chance to pull his weapon.

Arango fled, and four other officers chased him briefly. They then fired back and killed Arango near the intersection of Main and Broadway.

Major Doug Baker of the Fort Myers Police Department says that Widman leaves behind a wife and three kids (an infant, a two-year-old and a three-year-old). Baker describes Widman as "quiet, easy-going and friendly." Widman joined the force in April of 2007.

The Fort Myers Police Department is conducting an investigation that will be turned over to the Office of the State Attorney. Per policy officer involved shootings require officers to be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The officers placed on leave are: Officer Alain Gagnon, Officer B.J. Ades, Officer Wolfgang Daniel and Officer Mike Perry.

A Memorial Fund has been set up for Officer Widman's family. You can donate at any Fifth Third Bank location to the "Andrew Widman Memorial Fund" account number #7432124563. Officers from all over Southwest Florida are at major intersections and stores in the area collecting money for Officer Widman's family.

A closed casket visitation will happen Tuesday from 6-8pm at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11am at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. Officer Widman will be buried at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral.
http://www.fox4now.com/Global/story.asp?S=8696083

Arango, Abel, Hispanic male, DOB: 11-23-81, alien # 25425067, FBI #: 317145FB7

Immigration Status:

• Country of Origin: Cuba
• Citizen/National of: Cuba
• Entered the United States at Miami, FL and obtained Refugee status (RE6) on 07/18/1991.
• Ordered Deported on 09/27/2000 after being convicted of an Aggravated Felony.
• Classified as an Aggravated Felon by the United States.
• Filed an appeal to this deportation order in 10/2000.
• Appeal denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals on 03/20/2001. Order of Deportation was reinstated at that time.
• Released from Krom Detention Center in Miami on 07/08/2004 on an order of Supervision. (ICE does not have probation officers or employees that actually supervise or keep track of these subjects once they are released on an order of supervision.) In other words he was set free.

Criminal Status at Time of Homicide:

• On State Probation for Armed Robbery – Sentenced 07/19/1999 – 15 Years
• Currently Wanted out of Collier County – Violation of Probation Armed Robbery – Flagged for Violence – Warrant issued 05/29/2008.
• NCIC Adult Criminal History:
o Total Felony Charges – 20
o Total Misdemeanor Charges – 2
• Adult Charges Include/Multiple Counts:
o Armed Robbery
o Carrying a Concealed Weapon
o Cocaine Possession
o Cocaine Sale
o Cocaine Trafficking
o Grand Theft
o Burglary
o Possession of Weapon
o Battery DV
o Criminal Mischief

Gang Affiliation:

Documented Gang Member through the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

http://www.abc-7.com/articles/readnews. ... =20510&z=2

What a contrast in pictures.

Another needless, preventable heartbreak....