|
||||
| Lopez Island | Orcas Island | Visitor's Guide | ||
                        |
||
| Email this page to a friend | ||
| |||||||||||||||||
|
TOWN OF FRIDAY HARBOR |
Related storiesRelated pagesFrequently asked questions about border patrol checks at Anacortes ferry terminal Homeland Security Checks at Anacortes terminal 2-3 times a week for immediate future Town council considered non-compliance ordinance regarding Border Patrol EDITORIAL - We have nothing to fear...but councilmembers | |
|
Town council considered non-compliance ordinance with Border Patrolposted 04/24/2008
Town Councilmember Liz Illg said, "We grappled with a legislative policy of non-cooperation with the Border Patrol." "I presented the idea of a non compliance ordinance. I've done more research since. It's more a political statement than reality," Lacher said. "People on the island feel trapped here. They don't have the proper documentation. They don't feel they aren't racially profiling." Carrie Brooks said the council felt better after Sheriff Bill Cumming talked to them during their discussion about the proposed ordinance."He doesn't call INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) to come over unless he is sure drug or another crime is involved. He is not out to get them. This might not be a governmental issue. Maybe we could have some types of meetings through churches, helping them adjust to our culture better... really take an active stance...Do this as a community rather than as a governmental agency." County Councilmember Alan Lichter said, "ICE has a fugitive list. The fact that some people are being arrested is collateral damage. Hundreds of thousands of people are being delayed so they can catch one person. Yes, if one person gets through there could be terrible damage. The issue of national security vs seeking out people that don't have proper documentation. They are using the fear factor to make us suspicious of our neighbors. These are very ephemeral issues, serving to make us all anxious when we don't need to be." Wolf said, "When going through the Border Patrol check point it doesn't make me feel safe. It makes me feel like they are still targeting hispanics." County Councilmember Kevin Ranker said, " I would like to start getting answers. (U.S. Rep.) Rick Larsen has had a briefing. (U.S.) Sen. Murray has had a briefing. Either stop doing this, or fully justify why you are doing this. This is impacting our community. I would like to see both councils take action. Cease and desist." County Councilmember Rich Peterson said, "I don't agree. I am not into telling any law enforcement agent to stop doing their job." Mayor Jones said, "The lady writing for the Seattle Times was born in Mexico and has a Canadian passport." Lichter said, "You have 500 latinos here on San Juan Island, they are frightened. We have 200 latinos on Orcas, they are frightened. We have an English class as soon as the checks started, attendance dropped from 30 to seven. We can't get them back. |
|
|
SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
|