Thread: ACLU, Mexi-American group want details on immigrant arrest

http://www.projo.com/southcounty/conten ... d1b5c.html

CHARLESTOWN -- The Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Mexican-American Association of Rhode Island have asked the Police Department to clarify what happened on Sept. 16 when seven Mexican nationals, who were allegedly in the country illegally, were taken into custody on disorderly conduct charges. The charges were later dropped and a determination of their legal status is pending.

"Although the officers went to 81 Ross Hill Rd. in response to a complaint of loud noise, the police report notes that when officers responded 'the music was not loud,' " the organizations said in a letter to Police Chief Col. Thomas Sharkey. "We are therefore left guessing as to the basis for arresting these seven individuals with the crime of disorderly conduct."

ACLU officials and Mexican-American Association members further questioned why officers sought identification from the immigrants "when there was no evidence of any illegal activity on their part."

"In that regard," the letter states, "could you confirm that your officers, in responding to a noise complaint or similar minor complaint at a house, routinely ask all persons at the residence to produce 'valid' identification before the police leave?"

The immigrants -- Victor Valdes, 24, Gustavo Garcia, 33, Carlos Valdez, 26, Omar A. Carbajal Nery, 29, Ruben C. Rodriguez, 29, Ericka Salomon, 26, and her U.S. born baby -- were taken into custody on Sept. 16 after they failed to provide a valid U.S. ID when the police responded to the loud noise complaint.

The complainant told the police he believed there were illegal immigrants at the backyard gathering, said Sgt. Patrick J. McMahon, who took the initial call.

According to the police report, the immigrants told police "They came to the country without entering any border checkpoint."

When asked to produce an ID card, two of the men showed suspended Rhode Island drivers' licenses and three showed Mexican-issued international drivers' licenses that, McMahon said, were not valid IDs. The woman showed a valid Rhode Island ID card, but she had earlier told officers she was in the country illegally, McMahon said.

The homeowner, John M. Rosa, has questioned the police report and said he is considering legal action. Rosa is chairman of the Democratic Town Committee and past chairman of the town's Building Commission.

The immigrants have since retained legal counsel through the Mexican consulate.

Town Building and Zoning Official John Matuza is also investigating whether an apartment above the garage where some of the immigrants said they were living is a legal structure. A decision is expected by tomorrow.

Related articles.

Seven illegal Mexican immigrants arrested at Dem. chair's home

Does the ACLU have branches in Mexico? I think they should set up shop there, lots of work.