Thread: Groups to rally Saturday over Irving's use of Criminal Alien

Groups to rally Saturday over Irving's use of Criminal Alien Program

http://www.dallasnews.com
05:33 PM CDT on Thursday, October 11, 2007
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
bformby@dallasnews.com

The Citizens for Immigration Reform, a Dallas-based volunteer group, will rally at Irving City Hall on Saturday in support of the Irving Police Department's use of a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement program.

"They're doing what they're supposed to be doing," John Gorena, the group's rally chairman and a board member, said of the city. "If you look at their oath, they're supposed to protect the Constitution and uphold the laws of the U.S."

Also Online
Irving police start Spanish-language hotline to address deportation fears
The rally will begin at 2 p.m. at City Hall in response to a planned march Saturday, organized by Accion America, that will protest the city's use of the Criminal Alien Program.

The program provides around-the-clock communication with federal authorities. Irving officials say that they aren't deporting anyone but rather working with federal officials in a program open to all cities. Police have turned over more than 1,600 people to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the last year.

Last month, more than 1,000 protestors rallied at Irving City Hall and called for an end to the program. The next day, though, City Hall was inundated with phone calls from people who overwhelmingly supported Irving's use of CAP.

Citizens for Immigration Reform will hold a separate rally at 10 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Dilbeck Lane and Preston Road in Dallas to call for national immigration reform. Group officials said they added the afternoon rally this week to voice their support for Irving police. For more information about the rallies, visit www.cfirdallas.com.

IF YOU GO
Pro-CAP rally
What: Citizens for Immigration Reform rally

Why: To support Irving's participation in the Criminal Alien Program

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.

To learn more: www.cfirdallas.com

Anti-CAP march and rally
What: Accion America march and rally

Why: To protest Irving's participation in the Criminal Alien Program

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: March begins at the corner of Rock Island Road and Main Street and moves west along Rock Island to Irving City Hall, where the rally will be held.

To learn more: Call 214-524-1741

I sure would like to be at this event. It will definitely not be a dull rally.

Psalm 91