Thread: Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty

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This is a followup in a story to the original one in which New Ipswich Police Chief Garrett Chamberlain started the unusual case when he used a minor state law to prosecute Ramirez after immigration officials decided not to get involved.

Illegal immigrant pleads guilty
By DAVID BROOKS, Telegraph Staff
brooksd@telegraph-nh.com

Published: Wednesday, May. 4, 2005

JAFFREY – In a case that has drawn national attention because of the unusual approach used to prosecute an illegal immigrant, a Mexican citizen has pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal trespass, a law more commonly imposed in domestic-violence cases, because he is in the United States illegally.

Jorge Mora Ramirez, 21, was fined Tuesday and ordered to report to federal immigration authorities in Manchester by Friday, which almost certainly means he will be deported.

Ramirez speaks little English and used a translator during the arraignment in Jaffrey District Court. He had no attorney, and was accompanied by a man from Mexico who spoke no English.

Ramirez, who had been working for a contractor in Jaffrey until his arrest, declined to talk with reporters after the hearing.“I feel sorry for Mr. Ramirez. I think he probably had good intentions when he came to the U.S.,� said New Ipswich Police Chief Garrett Chamberlain, who started the unusual case when he used a minor state law to prosecute Ramirez after immigration officials decided not to get involved. “But there is a process (for entering the country) and we need to enforce the laws.�

Paula Grenier, a spokeswoman for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called Chamberlain’s unusual prosecution unnecessary.

“We arrest illegal aliens every day that that are violent criminals. . . . This case is about one illegal alien who had no criminal record and was broken down at the side of the road. For a police chief to grandstand about illegal immigration, and (give) the perception that the federal government is doing nothing, is wrong,� Grenier said later in a telephone interview.

“We prioritize . . . and concentrate on those who pose the greatest threat to public safety,� she said, pointing to New Hampshire arrests of members of the notorious MS-13 gang from El Salvador.

Chamberlain argues, however, that laws must be applied across the board.

“You can’t selectively enforce immigration laws,� he said. “A lot of the people that come here, come here for the right reasons – they want a better life – but many are criminals. You can’t pick and choose who you’ll (apply laws to).�

Nobody from ICE was present at Tuesday’s court hearing.

Chamberlain has battled with federal officials over illegal immigrants since last July, when New Ipswich police detained nine undocumented aliens but had to let them go after ICE didn’t provide any assistance. Local police departments have no jurisdiction over federal laws, such as those concerning immigration.

That lack of response led to Chamberlain’s decision to charge Ramirez with a state law more commonly associated with domestic disturbances. This is unique in New Hampshire, according to the state attorney general’s office, and perhaps in the country.

Ramirez was arrested for driving without a license at about 6:30 p.m. April 15, after a policeman talked to him because his Ford Explorer was disabled on Turnpike Road.

Ramirez was passing through town from his job in Jaffrey to his home in Waltham, Mass. He had at least one pay stub, which included payments withdrawn for federal retirement and Social Security programs.

The unusual aspect of the case came when Chamberlain also decided to charge Ramirez with criminal trespass, which under state law (RSA 635:2), involves a person who, “knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, . . . enters or remains in any place.�

Chamberlain argued that as an illegal immigrant, Ramirez was not “licensed or privileged� to be in New Ipswich and therefore subject to the state law.

Because Ramirez was not indoors, the conviction is only a violation, a level of severity less than a misdemeanor.

Judge L. Phillips Runyon fined Ramirez $1,000 on his guilty plea, but suspended it as long as he reports to ICE by Friday. Runyon also fined Ramirez $120 for lacking a license.

Grenier said Ramirez would be deported, if he is undocumented.

“We do intend to put him into removal proceedings,� she said.

Grenier said legal action may or may not be taken against Ramirez’ employer. Such workplace action, she said, is usually limited to jobs “that relate to critical infrastructure,� such as at the Seabrook nuclear power plant or Manchester Airport.

Chamberlain noted that he has forwarded information from employers of previous illegal immigrants to the Internal Revenue Service, to see if tax laws were followed.

After Tuesday’s court case, Chamberlain said he believed his efforts against illegal immigrants were having an effect, at least in his town.

“Obvious illegals have been eliminated,� he said. “We don’t see them anymore.�

Grenier said legal action may or may not be taken against Ramirez’ employer. Such workplace action, she said, is usually limited to jobs “that relate to critical infrastructure,� such as at the Seabrook nuclear power plant or Manchester Airport

Again, they pick and choose the LAW!! They're making a mockery of all our men and women have fought for and sacrificed since 1776. What will our kids come home to now? The SELLING OF AMERICA

“We arrest illegal aliens every day that that are violent criminals. . . . This case is about one illegal alien who had no criminal record and was broken down at the side of the road. For a police chief to grandstand about illegal immigration, and (give) the perception that the federal government is doing nothing, is wrong,� Grenier said later in a telephone interview.

Well Ms. Paula Grenier, the perception seems rather accurate. Enforcing the law is grandstanding? You should stop talking. You are only making a fool of yourself.

You can’t selectively enforce immigration laws,� he said. “A lot of the people that come here, come here for the right reasons – they want a better life – but many are criminals. You can’t pick and choose who you’ll (apply laws to).�

Maybe this guy should be working for ICE.

“Obvious illegals have been eliminated,� he said. “We don’t see them anymore.�

Gee, no cause and effect here is there?

ENFORCE THE LAW ACROSS THE BOARD? THE LAW APPLIES TO EVERYONE??

CHAMBERLAIN FOR PRESIDENT!!!

RR

Paula Grenier, a spokeswoman for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called Chamberlain’s unusual prosecution unnecessary.

“We arrest illegal aliens every day that that are violent criminals. . . . This case is about one illegal alien who had no criminal record and was broken down at the side of the road. For a police chief to grandstand about illegal immigration, and (give) the perception that the federal government is doing nothing, is wrong,� Grenier said later in a telephone interview.

unnecessary.?
He Broke into the Country. Would you let him live in your house if he broke in?

the perception that the federal government is doing nothing,?

You got that right. Just do enough so that the perception is that you are doing something. We are tired of the excuses.

A spokeswoman for ICE, huh? Wonder how we could reach her. She needs to be educated.

RR

RR, wonder if you could get her phone number from the newspaper staff? Your IDEA IS MARVELOUS

What a hoot that would be if we began a phone call chain to her, LOL

Now that could definitely make an impression!!