Thread: Police Chief Calls On Feds To Take Action

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Police Chief Calls On Feds To Take Action

by B. Jay Johnson

When it comes to illegal immigration, in many ways, the hands of local law enforcement are tied.

They can arrest someone suspected of being in this country illegally, but what happens to that suspect after he or she is taken into custody relies on the criminal justice system.



Cleveland City Police Chief Wes Snyder says there is no question that we are seeing an increase in the immigrant population here in Bradley County.

Chief Snyder says he is also seeing an increase in the arrests of suspected illegal aliens.

"When they don't have any form of identification," says Chief Snyder, "and they're operating a vehicle without a driver's license, chances are they are here illegally."

"When we make that arrest for public intoxication, DUI or leaving the scene of a crime, if we can't identify that person then it becomes apparent to us that they are an illegal immigrant."

Chief Snyder uses the word "immigrant" instead of "alien" but that doesn't mean he doesn't take the problem seriously.

In fact, Snyder expresses frustration at the way the criminal justice system processes illegal immigrants.

"There is not a lot we can do at the local level," the police chief tells the Bradley News. "Federal authorities have to take an interest in the person we arrest. If they don't, there is nothing in the world, whether it's county or city law enforcement, there is nothing we can do about it."

Chief Snyder states emphatically that the United States of America, without a doubt, has the best criminal justice system in the world. But is it flawless? "No," says Snyder.

"Unfortunately, our justice system has enough legal cracks and illegal immigrants are falling through those cracks," continues the police chief.

Chief Snyder says that anyone, whether they be Hispanic, American, German or South African who drives without a license or is guilty of DUI is a danger to the public. "We view that as a universal danger," says Snyder.

But Snyder says it's what takes place following the arrest where the process can take a disturbing and unexpected turn.

"Most of the time, the violator makes an appearance before a judge," states the police chief. "The way our system is set up, that case is not going to get resolved on the suspect's first arraignment in court."

Snyder says it will take scheduling or future court dates before we see a resolution in the case. Far too often, that resolution is viewed by many in law enforcement, as well as the citizens, as nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

"Most likely, the violator is going to make that initial appearance in court," says Chief Snyder. "The judge must then decide whether to keep that individual in court or release him on bond."

"All you can do is cross your fingers and hope that person honors those future court dates, and in many cases they do not."

Take the recent case of Everado Valezquez - the illegal immigrant from Mexico who plowed his vehicle through the fence of a home on Club Drive in March.

Valezquez was arrested by Bradley County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with several crimes, including DUI and fleeing the scene of an accident.

He went before a judge who allowed him to post bail. Valezquez was released from jail and was given a preliminary court date of June 22.

When court was held on Friday, June 22 - Everado Valezquez was nowhere to be found. Later sheriff's deputies would locate Valezquez and take him back into custody.

At a later court hearing, Valezquez was ordered by the judge to pay restitution to the owner of the home on Club Drive, Otis Eaton. The restitution included more than $400 to cover the costs of repairing the damaged fence.

"The minute that judge realizes that person is illegal, they have the power to hold that person until immigration officials step in and take over," says Snyder. The problem is, more often that not, that does not take place.

During his interview with the Bradley News, Chief Snyder raises an interesting question. "Why do we focus on Hispanics when it comes to illegal immigration?"

Chief Snyder thinks he has the answer, or he says at the very least what he considers to be the answer should be given some careful thought.

Chief Snyder says it is not just the Hispanics who come into this country illegally. He points out that Russians, Ukranians, Chinese and Vietnamese are just some of the nationalities of illegal immigrants who are currently living in this country and in southeast Tennessee.

"We seem to be more comfortable with the cultures and illegal immigrants from Europe," says Chief Snyder. "Maybe that is because our cultures are more alike. We have a tendency to not get upset with illegal immigrants from Europe because they are "white."

Chief Snyder says there are fewer illegal immigrants from Europe and they tend to assimilate better. Many of them already speak the English language. Chief Snyder says he believes that is another reason why Hispanics are treated differently.

"It's when we notice that you're here and you don't speak our language," says Chief Snyder, "That is what alarms us. If you speak our language it doesn't bother us as much."

Chief Snyder says it appears that illegal immigrants from Europe make a better effort to assimilate with the American culture. He says that appears to be reversed, regarding Hispanics.

"It's almost as though we are trying to assimilate to their culture."

Chief Snyder refers to the United States government's continued efforts to offer directions and instructions in both English and Spanish. He says illegal immigrants from Europe or other parts of the world don't receive that privilege. They either already speak English or put forth the effort to do so.

"We are happy to help the federal government in any way we can," says Chief Snyder. "But federal authorities have to take the reigns."

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http://www.bradleyweekly.com/news.cfm?id=5354

"Why do we focus on Hispanics when it comes to illegal immigration?"

Oh probably since they are about 85-90% of the problem and 20-30+ million and everywhere you turn Spanish is shoved in your face. Maybe because of LaRaza, Mecha, LULAC, and hundreds of others. Maybe because of the Reconquista movement. Maybe because of the mess Ca. is in and the thousands protesting in the streets with their Mexican flags. Also they dominate the number of foreign-born illegal arrestees by about 95% in this city! It's hard to miss their constant DEMANDS!

Chief Snyder says it is not just the Hispanics who come into this country illegally. He points out that Russians, Ukranians, Chinese and Vietnamese are just some of the nationalities of illegal immigrants who are currently living in this country and in southeast Tennessee.

"We seem to be more comfortable with the cultures and illegal immigrants from Europe," says Chief Snyder. "Maybe that is because our cultures are more alike. We have a tendency to not get upset with illegal immigrants from Europe because they are "white

I am not more comfortable with any illegal alien.

Myself, from Texas, I am very familiar with the Mexican culture.

I am not sure what he is trying to say here.

He points out that Russians, Ukranians, Chinese and Vietnamese

I'm uncomfortable with the "illegal alien culture" no matter where they come from!

We have a tendency to not get upset with illegal immigrants from Europe because they are "white."

This is a bunch of baloney! They aren't sticking it in our face with marches, protests and demands, which allows them to be somewhat below the radar. Their turn will come and does as they are apprehended. BTW, there are a LOT of white Hispanics as well as black Hispanics and in-between. Don't pull this "race-baiting" white garbage on the people!