Thread: Illegal Town USA?

Illegal Town USA?, Part One 11/14/07
Melissa Correa
CBS 7 News
November 14, 2007


El Cenizo, TX- It's been all over the news in recent months, a number of cities right here in Texas, turning in immigrants who come to the United States illegally.

But a small Texas border town is generating big controversy, running against the trend.

El Cenizo, Texas. Population 6,000.

"I love it. It's quiet. It's peaceful."

A border town on the outskirts of Laredo.

On the banks of the Rio Grande.

"This is actually our park."

The majority of the population is under the age of 18. Almost all residents live in poverty with no high school education. Their main source of income: garage sales.

Mayor Raul Reyes has served El Cenizo for three years. At 24 years old, he's one of the youngest mayor's in our nations history. He's first to admit, the town's got a secret.

"People that live here illegally can feel calm, knowing that the government isn't going to harass them," says Reyes.

Like they harassed residents back in the 90's. The mayor says, back then, the Border Patrol raided the town-stormed through businesses- jumped on school buses- asking everyone- child or adult-to present documentation proving their US Citizenship. Residents say they felt like second-class citizens.

"People are human," says resident Larry Spear. "They have feelings and sincerity, whether they're legal or illegal. I don't necessarily agree with the way they come across sometimes, but I know they're trying to get a better life."

In 1999, the city finally said enough is enough. It was time to fight back.

"The Safe Haven Ordinance specifically states that it prohibits any city official and city employee from disclosing any legal status on any of our constituents."

Even it they're illegal. As long as they pay taxes and abide by the law no questions will be asked. It's a "don't ask don't tell" immigration policy.

"Podemos aqui porque estamos cerca a la frontera. (we're here because we are close to the border.) Otra, que pagamos muy pocos taxas aqui y proque estamos agusto viviendo aqui-tenemos toda la familia cerca. (Another, we pay very little Texas, that's why we are happy living here and we have all of our family near by." says resident Blanca Elizondo.

Is this Mexico in the United States? "This is an Hispanic community, proud to have Mexican and American cultures. We don't consider ourselves either a Mexican community or an American community. We have our own unique culture," says Mayor Reyes.

A unique culture...because residents say, it accommodates to illegal residents-- to the point of changing the law.

Now most cities don't have an official language on the books.

But El Cenizo does.

Coming up Thursday night at ten: Illegal Town USA Part 2.

English as a second language...it's sending shockwaves throughout the nation.

The mayor says, back then, the Border Patrol raided the town-stormed through businesses- jumped on school buses- asking everyone- child or adult-to present documentation proving their US Citizenship. Residents say they felt like second-class citizens.

Second-class citizens? those people aren't citizens! They may live on the American side of the border, but they're not American citizens ..

He states its a don't ask don't tell as far as citizenship. I wonder if its 'DON'T ASK FOR ANY GOVERNMENT BENEFITS also. I bet they consider themselves Americans when it comes to that, or they'd be just as happy on the Mexican side of the border!

Mayor Reyes is probably an illegal immigrant.

If the feds are ever going to get serious about border enforcement and want to restore respect for the rule of law, they're going to have to crackdown on this type of sanctuary nonsense -- no matter how small the community or where its located. Illegal aliens should not be accomodated and made to feel comfortable. If they break our laws, there must be consequences.

"Podemos aqui porque estamos cerca a la frontera. (we're here because we are close to the border.) Otra, que pagamos muy pocos taxas aqui y proque estamos agusto viviendo aqui-tenemos toda la familia cerca. (Another, we pay very little taxes, that's why we are happy living here and we have all of our family near by." says resident Blanca Elizondo.

She pays very little taxes? I don't about the rest of you, but my taxes are much too high! Maybe it's because MY taxes subsidize people like her?

ICE? Where are you? They're waving a red flag at you!

Poll on this site today!
http://www.cbs7kosa.com/station/

Do you agree with El Cenizo's "safe haven" ordinance that keeps illegal immigrants from being deported?

Yes
(0.0%)


No
(100.0%)

VIEWER POLL





Do you agree with El Cenizo's "safe haven" ordinance that keeps illegal immigrants from being deported?

Yes
(16.7%)


No
(83.3%)