Thread: IMMIGRATION DEBATE BLAZED IN NORTH COUNTY THIS YEAR : NCT

Immigration debate blazed in North County this year



Thousands of people protesting the proposed immigration reform bill marched in April from Balboa Park to the County Administration Center on Pacific Highway in San Diego

By: EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer
NORTH COUNTY TIMES
DECEMBER 31, 2006

NORTH COUNTY ---- From the first rumblings of protest marches all over North County to the Escondido City Council's failed attempt to ban illegal immigrants from renting in the city, 2006 arguably could be summed up as the year of immigration. Whether on the streets of North County or in the halls of Congress, immigration reform seemed to be on the tip of almost everyone's tongue.



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On street corners, immigrant rights activist protested against anti-illegal immigrant rights activists. Immigrant rights activists staged a national Day Without an Immigrant boycott. Congressional leaders took a series of immigration hearings on the road ---- increasing tempers on the street corners of such border cities as San Diego.


But in the end, an immigration debate that started with such a bang has ended without many results. Neither Congress, nor street protesters, nor local governments accomplished much in changing immigration policy in 2006.

Immigration analysts, commentators and activists appear divided on whether any substantive change is in store in the coming year.

The challenge, they said, is striking the careful balance between comprehensive immigration reform and addressing the concerns of vocal voters who say they are fed up with illegal immigration. Many of those voters have called upon local governments to take action in response to the federal government's apparent inability to stem the flow of immigrants into border communities like North County.

"What you see at the local level is the frustration people have for the federal government's failure to deal with illegal immigration," said Kurt Bardella, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Escondido. Bilbray was elected to represent the 50th Congressional District in a special election after former U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty to bribery and other charges. Cunningham is currently spending more than eight years in federal prison.

The frustration over illegal immigration has also increased tensions among area Latinos, many of whom say they feel suspect in their own community. Rallies criticizing the use of the Mexican flag and in support of Escondido's rental ordinance were aimed at those in predominantly low-income Latino neighborhoods, they said.

The ordinance, passed in October, would have punished landlords who rented to illegal immigrants. It was blocked by a Superior Court judge in mid-November, and the City Council decided Dec. 14 not to fight the court's order, effectively killing the law before it was put into place.

Bill Flores, an Escondido activist and retired San Diego County assistant sheriff, said he hopes that the recent court defeat of the Escondido rental ordinance signals a more thoughtful approach to illegal immigration by city governments.

"I hope that responsible governing bodies at the local level will act on data rather than anecdotal evidence," Flores said.

Others, such as Escondido Councilman Sam Abed, said the public's tolerance for illegal immigrants, which some estimates put at about 12 million nationwide and more than 40,000 in North County, has simply run out.

"We need to respond to what the overwhelming majority of our residents want from us," Abed said recently about reviving the proposal he supported that would punish landlords who rent to illegal immigrants.

Local governments take action

The events that shaped this year's immigration debate began in 2005, when the rise in public frustration led hundreds of people to the Arizona border with Mexico in a protest called the Minuteman Project.

The monthlong border stakeout inspired several similar groups to spill onto local city streets. Jeff Schwilk, a retired Oceanside Marine, founded the North County-based San Diego Minutemen, which he describes as a neighborhood-watch group.

In February, Schwilk's group began protesting at day-labor sites, where mostly Latino laborers gather to seek work, around Vista. The group attracted counterprotesters. Both sides often brushed past each other with video cameras in hand, trading chants and barbs, and occasionally accusing each other of assault.

In response to the increasing visibility of curbside workers for hire, the Vista City Council acted in June, adopting a law that requires would-be employers to register with the city before hiring day laborers within the city limits.

Minutemen and their supporters declared the new law a victory that would reduce the large gatherings of men seeking jobs along street curbs.

"The people (who want immigration laws enforced) are getting what they've been asking for," Schwilk said when the law went into effect in July.

Like the Escondido rental ordinance, the Vista day-labor law has encountered some legal obstacles.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the California Rural Legal Assistance have sued the city, claiming the law violates constitutional rights to free speech, and was motivated by unlawful discrimination. That case is still pending.

The law was successful in displacing some of the workers, but it has not discouraged all from seeking work at one of the primary sites, a shopping center at South Santa Fe and Escondido avenues.

Others have simply moved a few blocks away, outside the city limits.

Some community activists say Schwilk's group is racially motivated and have criticized its tactics, which they say include intimidation and provocation. Tina Jillings, who founded a Vista-based, pro-immigrant group called the Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity, is one of Schwilk's staunchest opponents.

"These men have families," Jillings said of the migrants the Minutemen have targeted. "Jeff's made people believe that they are all illegal, but some of them have permanent residency. This has become an attack on human beings."

Minutemen, including Schwilk, have accused Jillings of provoking them.

Escondido ordinance falls in court

Not long after Vista adopted its day-labor law, Escondido's council approved on a split vote its controversial rental ordinance. The city attracted national attention, following the lead of towns, such as Hazleton, Pa., that adopted laws requiring landlords to provide proof that their tenants are in the country legally.

The council meetings attracted crowds of supporters and opponents by the hundreds, spilling out of council chambers to the sidewalks near City Hall. Dozens of law enforcement officers in riot gear stood ready between the two camps, though no incidents were reported.

Prominent Latinos said the ordinance would result in discrimination against their community. They criticized the ordinance as unconstitutional and unworkable. Mayor Lori Holt Pfelier and Councilman Ron Newman voted against the measure, which passed 3-2.

Shortly before taking effect in November, lawyers for the ACLU and the Mexican American Legal and Defense and Education Fund filed a lawsuit claiming that the law was unconstitutional because it was pre-empted by federal law and violated due process.

Federal Judge John Houston seemed to agree, saying the ordinance raised "serious questions" in issuing a temporary restraining order. The judge later signed a permanent injunction barring the city from enforcing the law after the City Council decided to drop its legal defense.

Several council members have said they will revive the issue of a rental ban in the future.

House bill spurs protest

But perhaps few events fueled this year's rallies more than the House immigration reform bill, House Resolution 4437, passed in December 2005. The package of tough border enforcement measures, including a provision that would make it a crime to aid illegal immigrants, was widely condemned by Latino and immigrant-rights groups in part because of the perception that it would lead to mass deportations.

In late March, thousands of local students joined others nationwide who walked out of classes in a protest organized using the popular Web site Myspace.com. The students, who were predominantly Latino, protested the House measure and called for comprehensive reform, including amnesty for illegal immigrant students and their families.

The school walkouts included tense moments in North County, when students clashed with police clad in riot gear, which resulted in more than two dozen arrests on charges such as unlawful assembly and assault on an officer.

Student protests were quickly followed in May by the nationwide "Day Without an Immigrant." On that day, millions of illegal immigrants, students and their supporters took to the streets, avoiding work and shopping, to demonstrate their economic muscle.

"Today we march, tomorrow we vote," marchers chanted.

Protest organizers and analysts were split on whether the day's events were more symbolic than a show of force.

While crowds clamored for immigration reform at city chambers, House Republican leaders deployed a series of immigration hearings around the country, including four in San Diego County. The hearings were widely criticized as political theater aimed at promoting the House immigration reform bill, while attacking the more comprehensive Senate version.

The Senate's wide-ranging immigration bill, passed in May, included stronger border enforcement measures along with a guest-worker program and a legalization process for millions of illegal immigrants.

The first hearing, held at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol station, attracted thousands of immigrant-rights supporters and anti-illegal immigration protesters to hear expert immigration witnesses and more than a dozen congressional representatives speak. But public, media and congressional interest dwindled with each passing hearing.

Only two congressmen and a significantly smaller audience attended the last hearing held in August at the county administration building.

After the hearings, Congress passed a significantly reduced package of immigration measures, including a bill to build 700 miles of border fence. But the bill provided only enough funding to build a fraction of the length.

By November, much of the public's attention had shifted to the deteriorating situation in Iraq. Most analysts say the Iraq war was the dominant issue on the minds of voters when they gave Democrats control of both houses of Congress in the election.

What next?

A Democratic-controlled Congress could make it more likely that reform proposals could include a broader perspective on immigration than the House bill, said Cecilia Munoz, vice president of the Latino rights group, the National Council of La Raza.

"There appears to be really strong support for the kind of approach that passed the Senate ---- strong enforcement with a path to citizenship," Munoz said.

With the 2008 presidential election on the horizon, other analysts say Democrats may hesitate in raising the question of amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which supports stricter immigration measures, said Congress should focus on border security.

The public "will be sorely disappointed if the Democratic leadership pursues the same failed policies," Stein said. "The American public expects the new congressional leadership to take real steps to secure the nation."

Whether Congress presses forward on immigration or not, area governments and local activists will continue to battle on the front lines, said Pedro Rios, San Diego director of the human rights group, American Friends Service Committee.

"I think the impulse to claim immigration issues at the local level will increase, and ... Escondido-type ordinances will increase," Rios said.

Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.



Following the hearing in August at the San Diego County Administration Building, migrants' rights advocate Felix Garcia, of San Diego, holds a sign that says in Spanish "no minutemen" as Ken Lester, of San Diego, and Chuck Maier, of Valley Center, hold American flags.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/12 ... _30_06.txt

Comments On This Story

Leaders in the worthless category: wrote on December 31, 2006 3:53 AM:" If a rash of any other crimes took place in North County equal to that of our illegal alien problem, this newspaper, the sheriff, the Board of Supervisors, the Governor, Congress, and the President, would have it put down in short order. But here we have an illegal alien problem of huge proportions, and along with it comes many other crimes; i.e., tax evasion, identity theft, driving without a license, registration, or insurance, and the list goes on and on. All our elected leaders are not leading. Instead they are positioning them themselves to get the votes in the next election. Their performance on illegal aliens has really positioned them as the poorest politicians we the American people have ever had the misfortune to vote into office. I have used a procedure used by Ike to dispense with a person after they have proven themselves worthless and no account. I took the time to write those politicians names on a piece of paper as they demonstrated their worthlessness and threw it in the trash along with the egg shells, used coffee grounds, and other useless and worthless matter. And if their name appears on a ballot in the future I can assure you that, as far as I'm concerned, they will have wasted their time."

Suzette in Vista wrote on December 31, 2006 7:11 AM:"Okay Jeff so now Tina is a MOD EDIT, and a MOD EDIT I guess because she disagrees with your abuses of human kind? Isn't that what you call women who oppose you? I want something done about illegal immigration too but what you and your group do is just not right. It is inhumane and cruel. I cannot understand how you all sleep at night knowing you have rendered people homeless of what little shelter they had. I can not believe your are pleased with yourselves for keeping men from working. I can not believe you are all pleased with yourself for starving them. This entire project of yours stinks. Oh and by the way I voted for Tina Jillings because I like her tenacity, and knew she would represent Vista well."

Skip wrote on December 31, 2006 7:13 AM:"I honestly believe that the majority of American Citizens are in favor of the House Bill, and that is why are government is paralyzed. it is too bad that we can't put this issue on a National ballot and vote on it. America needs to secure its borders, and put the brakes on illegal immigration. Then we can talk reform."

the sign actually says "it hunts migrants did not happen" I am assuming that means the anti-illegal measures failed not anti-minutemen.

Roberto wrote on December 31, 2006 7:39 AM:" "Okay Jeff so now Tina is a sl-t, and a b---h I guess because she disagrees with your abuses of human kind? Isn't that what you call women who oppose you?" REPLY: To the MM leader...and his ilk... 12 million illegals, families, chidren, quasi-legal families, beaurucratic, snafu, semi-legal...oh yeah and just plain ole illegal workers....seems all the arm chair legislators don't have a clue nor want to come up with realistic solutions. To qualify these statements...no one I know is in favour of illegal immigration but I'm opposed to these racist MM - things. "

Victory wrote on December 31, 2006 7:43 AM:"HR 4437 was nothing short of an attempted Genocide. It seems every time Americans see a large group of people who are different, their answer is to enslave them, kill them all off or put them in reservations. HR 4437 is no different and it is extremely disturbing to think so many Americans would support a bill that is so draconian and backwards. But I guess that is just a part of Americas legacy. The only thing that pushed back such a backwards piece of legislation was the protests. The student walkouts dealt the final blow and for that we must recognize the youth as heroes. It is also sad to see so many people who could only criticize the youth and never did anything to go out and help them in their struggle. But regardless, they won. On to the next battle!! "

Thankful wrote on December 31, 2006 7:56 AM:"to be a San Diego City resident. Our city council has not followed down the disgraceful path of the cities of Vista and Escondido, passing racist and classist ordinances that violate state, federal, and constitutional law, and promoting the agendas of vigilante hate groups such as the Minutement. Border security is a legitimate issue in the context of preventing members of al queda from illegal entry and creating terrorist cells in the U.S. The Bush administration has done nothing to address this important issue. Instead, the Bush Republicans in the House proposed an outrageous bill which is nothing more than a thinly veiled attack on Mexicans, just to stir up the voters in communities like Vista and Escondido where the dumbed-down are all too eager to confuse real border security with "illegal aliens" (racist code words for "Mexicans")."

Robert24 wrote on December 31, 2006 8:13 AM:"Suzette; Jeff is not displacing or rejecting work to any individual who has come here legally to EARN the right to work and eat and all of the other things you accuse him of taking away. These people (the illegal ones, for those of you like Suzette who may need clarification) do not come here to better America, but rather, to take from America. Falsified documents, driving without a license or insurance, tax evasion, etc. are just some of the "contributions" made by this group. As has been said often here, Suzette; Why don't you start taking in these "poor, hardworking, just-trying-to-better-themselves" people at your home, and show them your gratitude for them being here. You can feed, insure, house, clothe and take them to the Doctor when they are sick. In return, pay them but don't require them to pay taxes for the services we enjoy in America, and then watch as they send money "home"! How many rooms do you have available, Suzette? We can start sending families over right away.... "

El Guero wrote on December 31, 2006 8:18 AM:"Cecilia Munoz says 'There appears to be really strong support for the kind of approach that passed the Senate ---- strong enforcement with a path to citizenship.' Yeah, strong support among the special interests: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, immigration lawyers, the Catholic Church, and pro-illegal immigrant / ethnic organizations like the NCLR. And aren't 'strong enforcement and a path to citizenship' contradictory? How can you have strong enforcement while also saying that everyone who's broken the law should be allowed to get away with it? But that's really what people like Munoz, Bill Flores, Tina Jillings, etc. want. The only problem with illegal immigration is that 12 - 20 million people don't have papers. So give them papers! Sorry, that's just not going to fly."

Suzette wrote on December 31, 2006 8:30 AM:"Make a choice. Support another countries citizens who are invading or support your community. Can't have your cake and eat it too. How come you haven't tried to take advantage of Mexico's services? Because it's illegal and you are probably honorable like us, not like the invaders."

Nick wrote on December 31, 2006 8:54 AM:"The reason the brakes have been put on, is that the majority of American people are against amnesty, PERIOD! Let's just say that there are 20 million people in this Country ILLEGALLY, if amnesty is granted, their immediate families will be given citizenship too. That more than doubles the amount of former ILLEGALS to 40 or 50 million. That is beyond ridiculous. Amnesty didn't work last time and has done nothing but hurt this Country. If it happens again, towns across America will start to resemble the 3rd World Countries from which these immigrants have come. That is not the American way, and it is a total slap in the face for all those who immigrated here legally and all those waiting in line to do it the proper way."

Ron wrote on December 31, 2006 8:58 AM:"I object to the descriptions and definitions used in this article to describe each side. Tina Jillings and her ilk are described as a "Pro-Immigrant Activists", NO... she is a "Pro-Illegal Immigrant Activist." The Minutemen are described as "intimidating and provocators" for protesting, which is their right. It's funny, when all those people were out in the streets with Mexican flags protesting for what they believed were their rights, I never heard a peep from this paper calling them "intimidating and provocators." "

Terry wrote on December 31, 2006 9:20 AM:"I am not a political person. But I do believe in Human Rights. I believe certain situations have gone out of hand. Their should be a solution plausible for both sides. I’m not siding with anyone, but immigrants should get amnesty, so they know what it feels to pay for taxes, pay for their children, and above all pay for their healthcare. Like every US citizen here. Yes they broke the law, well why we don’t fine them. I just feel that if something rational happens its going to create a racial war. I am Hispanic, had generations born here, I am a US citizen by legal birth. I do not appreciate certain people, yes I’m going to say it because it has happened to me; Tell me border hopper, wet back go back home you illegal piece of *****. No I do not appreciate it. Not every Mexican here is Illegal. I just hope someone’s insults do not get out of hand and create more tensions or something far more badly. I hope people consider the situation, tension and treat it delicately. There is just to much anger and abuse from both parties. We need to unite (both parties) and find a PEACEFULL solution. "

Fred wrote on December 31, 2006 9:38 AM:"Unless the Federal Government begins to really deal with illegal immigration in America, the political, economic, and social problems will only get worse. In the end, it could lead to the break up of this country into several new nations. "

JOSE wrote on December 31, 2006 10:18 AM:"Suzette you are right we live with four familys an we want to stay in esc.maybe we can move to vista.sounds like your more fair.We can rent big house cause we all work."

Gimme a break wrote on December 31, 2006 10:43 AM:"I just heard our great governor is going to work on immigration reform this year. Since he has moved to the democratic side we can expect open borders from him also. We need better leaders people!! "

Adam wrote on December 31, 2006 11:22 AM:"What happened to the MOD EDIT? on Suzette's Post. Thanks Edward!"

The All Mighty Dollar wrote on December 31, 2006 12:39 PM:"With 37 million Americans living in poverty and another 42 million Americans without health insurance, we simply cannot afford "the path to citizenship" for illegals. Until we take care of our own we have NO business extending the benefits of citizenship to those who break our laws!"

To Suzette wrote wrote on December 31, 2006 1:00 PM:"I assume when you say Schwilk rendered people homeless you are talking about the closing of McGonigle canyon. Have you been in that place? I live next door to it and it is a horrible place for the illegals as well as the surrounding communities. Filth, human excrement,empty beer cans and open fires litter the canyon. The community dare not step into it for fears of our safety. Would you enter a canyon knowing 300-400 squatters are living there? We moved here for our kids yet they are not safe to play in the canyon next to our home. Please take some of these law breaking men into your home. Did you know they have babies in that canyon? Ok with you? Young girls were brought into the canyon twice a week to service these men.Again,child sexual assault ok with you? Please read about the 5 rape camps in San Diego County,this was one of them. Suzette why not go to Mexico and help build their country instead of complaining about citizens who don't want a third world shantytown existing in San Diego!!! The more illegals that come to our country will only increase the number of shantytowns that exists. Oops, I should say "slave camps"!!"

North County Times wrote wrote on December 31, 2006 1:09 PM:"You say the opposers of the Minutemen call them racists. How about calling the supporters of "Illegals" criminals or anti-Americans. Your bias can always be dishearned. Please tell me what is racists about wanting people to enter our country legally instead of stealing in only to take advantage of our country by not paying taxes,living 15 to an apartment,living in our canyons and stealing our identies. What is racists about wanting our laws to be enforced? Without a rule of law, yes we would be Mexico. Is that what you want?"

Still Missing the Point wrote on December 31, 2006 1:12 PM:"You know, its so typical. Those who support illegal immigration in the name of diversity and anti-racism don't consider that they are in fact, supporting and expanding it. They are also supporting corruption, fraud, and reward crime. Consider that those who come here illegally, for whatever reason, have demonstrated that they do not believe in respecting laws or rights, no matter how hard they work. Those who hire them have demonstrated that if they get wealthier by cheating, its OK to do so, because those illegals sure do work hard. So, economically, we are rewarding corruption and stealing, and making it more powerful, until we are a reflection of all those other corrupt society. Al Capone wasn't lazy either, and took good care of 'his people,'does that make what he did OK?Is that the society you want to live in? One where the corruption is in every aspect of our society, and you have to be in with the "boss" to get your home loan? If you like what Mexico has become, what Chile is becoming, or places like Kazhakistan, with all the rule breaking 'diversity', by all means, go live there. Be a part of it. Otherwise, treat everyone like equals- including illegal immigrants who, like their employers, are in violation of constitutional laws. To do anything else is to be a racist. Its that simple. Legal immigrants are what we want, not illegal. "

Nick wrote on December 31, 2006 1:59 PM:"Ron, You and I both know the reason for that. The NC Times is never one to hide their biasness. They wear it proudly on their sleeve for all to see. That's why it's never wise to believe everything you read. Hopefully, most people are smart enough and have enough common sense to discern the truth from the B.S. "

IT WILL BE ALL OVER SOON ANYWAYS wrote on December 31, 2006 2:23 PM:"Some estimates for California indicate that 1 in 5 births are to illegal Aliens. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/12 ... 122509.txt"

Rios is right! wrote on December 31, 2006 2:33 PM:"We are going to FIGHT illegal immigration and we are going to win. This is an invasion that cannot be tolerated. These felons need to be deported and we are going to work to change laws so they can't sneak up here and have a baby and think they can stay. We Americans are sick and tired of being taxed to death so that ILLEGAL aliens get free medical care at all these "non-profit" clinics and at our hospitals. IT IS OVER! This is a war we are going to fight, Republican and Democrat and we are going to WIN!!!!!!"

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