Thread: County Commissioner Featured On CBS Evening News

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October 27, 2005

County Commissioner Featured On CBS Evening News

By Thanh Tan

CANYON COUNTY -
The national media have taken an interest in Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez' use of the RICO statutes to go after the individuals and companies hiring illegal immigrants.

The CBS Evening News spent several minutes tonight explaining Vasquez's views on illegal immigration to a national audience. Vasquez, who is running for congress, calls it the single most important issue facing the nation.

"Absolutely, they're bringing in crime," Vasquez told CBS News Correspondent Thalia Assuras. "And they're also bringing in the gang culture."

He watched the story from Local 2 News's studio, and says the coverage was fair, but he takes issue with the network's characterization of undocumented immigrants.

"They're illegal aliens. They're not immigrants," he said.

When Canyon County farmer Sid Freeman told Assuras the local agricultural industry relies on undocumented workers to survive, Vasquez responded by saying,"Certainly, he's not going to get any Americans to go out there and work for four or five dollars an hour. If you're willing to pay what a laborer is worth, than you will find Americans who will do those jobs."

We also asked Sam Byrd of Diversity Works to watch the same story. He says Vasquez's stance on this particular issue is often faulty, and overlooks the fact that many undocumented workers do pay taxes and try to be responsible citizens. He says Vasquez appears to be taking advantage of an emotional issue, especially as he runs for congress.

"Evidence is clear that we make this sweeping generalization that immigrants or illegals are on a wholesale basis responsible for crime, as if all of them are criminals. It's just not based on fact," Byrd said. "So I would challenge the commission, as well as other that take this position (against undocumented workers)-- where's the evidence?"

Corrine Tafoya-Fisher of Action Against Hate, a bipartisan political action committee, told CBS News, "(Vasquez) is kind of the engine for driving divisiveness in our community and hate."

As he watched Tafoya-Fisher say this, Vasquez's expression visibly changed. He seems to know what voters may be thinking.

"We don't hear (Vasquez) talk about other issues," Byrd said. "I'm not sure I would say he's all about hate and divisiveness. But I would say it certainly doesn't contribute to dialogue that's meaningful."

Robert Vasquez maintains he is not a single-issue candidate, and cares about other topics from education to trade. But he maintains the issue of curbing illegal immigrants remains his top priority.

"I believe this issue is the most important because it touches every facet of American life. It touches everything from education for your children to health care for your parents and loved ones," Vasquez said. The CBS News report indicates millions of dollars are spent on dealing with undocumented workers in Canyon County.

Byrd said he and many others would like to see Vasquez offer more details about other issues.

NOTE: Canyon County Farmer Sid Freeman called Local 2 News immediately following the broadcast of this story. He said Vasquez' claim that he pays his employees $4 to $5 per hour is incorrect. Freeman said his employees are documented and paid between $6.50 to $12 per hour.

Freeman said it is difficult to find people willing to work in the fields, regardless of their background.

"It's not because of wages, but because of the physical labor. It's grueling work," he said.

Canyon County farmer Sid Freeman told Assuras the local agricultural industry relies on undocumented workers to survive

Freeman said his employees are documented and paid between $6.50 to $12 per hour.

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