http://www.timesrepublican.com/news/art ... cleID=3534

Tuesday, October 03, 2006— Time: 12:29:11 PM CST

Officers’ assault spurs immigration debate

By KEN BLACK

The assault of a Marshalltown police officer over the weekend by an illegal immigrant opened up a continuing debate over the nation’s immigration policy.

Ventura Navarro-Rojas, 430 Swayze St., went to the Marshalltown Police Department after a complaint from his family that he was combative and under the influence of illegal drugs. Though he voluntarily showed up at the police department, he eventually became violent once there and assaulted several officers.

Navarro-Rojas is in the country illegally and has been deported two previous times.

“It is very disturbing to me that someone who is in this country illegally and has been twice deported is here and attacked our officers,” he said. “I hope the Congress can figure out a way to solve these immigration issues.”

The assault sent one officer to the Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center. Though he is expected to recover from his injuries, he is expected to miss several days from work.

Navarro-Rojas has been charged with several criminal offenses, including forgery, a Class D felony, and assault on a police officer causing injury, an aggravated misdemeanor.

He was held on a $21,125 bond at the Marshall County Jail.

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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@ timesrepublican.com