Task force forms in opposition to Bakersfield councilman's anti-immigration resolutions
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About a dozen people gathered in front of Bakersfield's city hall this morning in opposition to Councilman David Couch's anti-immigration resolutions.

The group is called "Social Justice Task Force." Members Couch's resolutions do nothing but divide the community.

Last month, Couch introduced three resolutions. One would declare English as the official city language. The second declares Bakersfield will not be a "sanctuary" for illegal immigrants. The third asks city staff to look into which city services could be denied to illegal immigrants.

Since then, many have been outraged over these proposed resolutions and that's why the Social Justice Task Force was formed--members say to make sure the city council does not pass the resolutions.

Member Dolores Huerta says undocumented immigrants are core contributors to our society, working in businesses like agriculture and construction.

She also says the resolution will likely increase racial profiling and scapegoating of the Latino community.

"It makes all of us who are brown suspected of being undocumented. That it's okay to attack people that look like me," explained Huerta.

A lawyer for the Social Justice Task Force also said she believes the resolution is not legal and that the determination of immigrant status is strictly up to the federal government.

We tried getting in touch with David Couch to get his reaction to the newly formed task force. We placed several phone calls, to his work and cell phone, and none of those calls have been returned.
Story Created: Aug 13, 2007 at 7:43 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 13, 2007 at 8:16 PM CDT

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