illegal aliens

BREAKING NEWS? (Note the date of this article) In Mexico, rails are risky crossing for a new wave of Central American migrants

At a makeshift church shelter beyond the industrial parks north of Mexico City, the train riders wait under a canvas tent, listening for a locomotive horn. They keep their shoes on and their backpacks zipped.

The tracks outside run through Mexico’s central highlands and all the way to the Texas border. The shelter is a halfway point for Central Americans on the 1,500-mile trip north, but many do not arrive here in one piece.

“They got me on the roof of the train,” said Arlen Acosta, his posture bent by two broken collarbones and his face disfigured from a bad suture job. He had set out from Honduras two months earlier. “They told me to give them $100. Then they threw me off.”

Central Americans have been catching freight trains to the U.S. border for years, risking injury or worse for a free ride and a path clear of Mexican government checkpoints. But at a time when illegal immigration to the United States remains near its lowest point in four decades, the number of Central Americans going north has soared, putting new attention on the rail system that takes thousands to the border each year.

With lawmakers in Washington considering a broad revision of U.S. immigration laws, the image of the illegal border-crosser is no longer a farmworker jumping the fence in Tijuana, analysts say. It is a Central American teenager riding on top of a Mexican freight train.

The dangers of the journey are widely known and perhaps worse than ever. Neither the Mexican government nor the two dominant railroad companies here — one of which is a U.S. subsidiary — have managed to stop the masses of people from climbing atop the trains, or the criminals from targeting them along the route.

The result is a rolling gauntlet of rapes, kidnappings, homicides and maimings aboard Mexico’s freight rail system, the backbone of the $1 billion-plus-a-day trade partnership between the United States and Mexico.

Each day, the trains rumble north loaded with new automobiles, washing machines, cement and the other fruits of NAFTA commerce. When they slow for curves or track switches, migrants run alongside and grab onto boxcars or jump into the open-top containers known as gondolas.

For the kidnapping gangs, cartel operatives and corrupt Mexican officials who await them, the train riders are a renewable natural resource: abundant and easy to prey upon, like salmon going up an Alaskan river.

Government human rights officials estimate that more than 11,000 migrants are kidnapped crossing Mexico each year, with many forced from the trains at notorious rail junctions whose names are spoken with fear along the route: Medias Aguas, Orizaba and Coatzacoalcos, where one group of Hondurans was hacked with machetes last month.

“You used to worry about falling asleep on top of the train and slipping off. Now, it’s the kidnappers,” said Oscar Rivas, a 40-year-old Honduran deportee trying to get back to a carpentry job and three children in Philadelphia. He said it was his sixth train trip north since 1986.

The last time, he was chased by a bandit with a machete.

This time, he saw a severed head outside the city of Tlaxcala.

“It was stuck on a pole,” he said.

Local news reports confirmed the account. Police found the head by the tracks, with a bag over it.

‘We know how easy it is’

On the U.S. side of the divide, the number of Mexicans taken into custody since 2000 has dropped 84 percent. But of 365,000 arrests made by the U.S. Border Patrol during fiscal 2012, nearly 100,000 were individuals classified as “Other than Mexican,” the highest percentage to date and almost twice as many as in 2011.

The vast majority were from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, Central America’s Northern Triangle, where economic failure and rampant violence exert a powerful push, even at a time when the pull of the U.S. labor market remains weak.

“There’s a feeling that Mexico has changed demographically and has turned the corner economically, and we’re never going to go back to what we had at the turn of this century,” said Eric Olson, a Central America expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, referring to the historic wave of Mexican migration that peaked in 2000, when Border Patrol agents made 1.7 million arrests.

“The real growth is projected to come from Central America,” Olson said.

The United States has been leaning on Mexico to tighten immigration enforcement within its borders, particularly the porous 600-mile boundary with Guatemala that presents little barrier to people, weapons or drugs. The administration of new Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto says it is preparing to act.

“We know how easy it is to cross,” Interior Secretary Miguel Osorio Chong said at a recent meeting with the foreign news media, estimating that 200,000 Central Americans entered Mexico illegally last year.

With U.S. assistance, technology and security aid, Mexico plans to set up new immigration checkpoints along its southern border and build a database of the unauthorized immigrants it detains, taking fingerprints, retinal scans and other biometric data that can be shared with the United States.

But the checkpoints could push even more people onto the rails.

The Mexican Railroad Association, a trade group, said it is in talks with government officials about tightening security. Migrants and their advocates say the private guards who work for the railroad companies, including Kansas City Southern de Mexico, a U.S. subsidiary, have been just as venal as the police who shake the migrants down until they’re left with nothing.

“The train system is totally unsupervised,” said Rafael Gonzalez, one of the priests running the shelter here, which opened last year on the edge of town after gangsters forced the previous one to shut down.

Limited resources

Central American migrants can avoid the trains by hiring smuggling guides to drive them north. But few can afford it and turn to the rail system instead.

No one knows how many migrants are killed or mutilated in attacks or accidents along the way. Two Honduran women were shot and stabbed to death in the southern state of Chiapas in May when they didn’t pay the toll demanded by gang members.

Much of the violence occurs in the rail yards, where migrants might end up waiting days for a train.

The gangs that rob and abduct migrants are often made up of other Central Americans working under the protection of Mexico’s crime syndicates.

“We’ve asked over and over for the authorities to clean up the system and arrest the criminals — and they know who they are,” said Marta Sánchez, an activist with the Mesoamerican Migrant Movement. “But it would require some intelligence work and the firing of many corrupt officials.”

Gustavo Mohar, a former Mexican intelligence official who was also in charge of immigration policy under President Felipe Calderón, said stopping the migrants from climbing atop the freight trains would require a massive, sustained police operation that the country can’t afford.

“From a humanitarian point of view, what’s happening is terrible,” he said. “But controlling the train system over long distances is almost impossible when you have limited resources.”

For now, such controls do not exist. At the shelter set up here in a dusty lot, Guatemalan Andrea Mendoza, 20, waited for the train — “the long, long one” — that would take her and a friend to Monterrey. Once there, she said, she would call “her coyote,” the same guide who had smuggled her father and husband to Houston.

Mendoza said she knew how to run and reach for the train when it slowed, and not to fall asleep. It wasn’t her first time. She had made the trip once before, she said, when she was 15. Read more about BREAKING NEWS? (Note the date of this article) In Mexico, rails are risky crossing for a new wave of Central American migrants

Protect Oregon Driver Licenses will be at the Marion County Fair

Alert date: 
July 9, 2014
Alert body: 

Protect Oregon Driver Licenses will be helping out the Marion County Republicans in their booth at the Marion County Fair. 

We hope to see you there this Thursday - Sunday. Drop by and say hello!
 

Citizens speak out about border surge

As the situation on the border continues unresolved, it becomes clear that other motives are clearly in play.  If our government really wanted to stop the border surge it could be accomplished within just a few days.  But, they continue to bus thousands upon thousands of illegal aliens to locations throughout the country for processing and release into the community with a scheduled hearing date somewhere in the distant future and for which they will likely never return.

I don't think it's much of a jump to speculate that our President and other key players are frustrated with the failure of Congress to pass sweeping "immigration reform" and they're looking for an end run around the rules to populate our country with throngs of illegal aliens from countries of unknown origin, with unknown criminal histories and with very low skill levels.  Often they are illiterate, sick and carrying previously eradicated diseases. 

The very essence of our country is at risk.  We are a nation of laws with a unique culture, language and specific borders, all of which need rigorous protection.

Citizens must speak up and speak out in protest - and continue to do so until the issue is resolved, the border secure and these invaders have been returned to their home country.

Letters to the editor are an excellent way to educate folks on the issues at hand.  Submit them not only to large circulation newspapers, but consider submitting your letters to your small, local newspaper, too.  Being respectful, precise and to the point in your letter will give you the greatest likelihood of being published..

If your letter is published, please forward it to us and we will post it on our website.  Read more about Citizens speak out about border surge

Plucking your heartstrings? Connecting the dots on the border surge

If you are a casual observer, but truly concerned about the recent surge of children on our border, I urge you to watch this video and learn what's really behind it.

As a nation, we are up to our necks in a complicated scheme to transform the United States and the world.  A covert plan for global economic warfare -- those building up the world of globalization are tearing down the sovereignty and financial strength of the United States and Europe to make way for the coming corporate new world order.

It's chilling!
  Read more about Plucking your heartstrings? Connecting the dots on the border surge

Perry to feds: Send child immigrants back home

McALLEN, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry told a U.S. House field hearing Thursday that President Obama should deploy the National Guard to secure the Texas border and should send thousands of undocumented child immigrants back to their home country.

He also called on the federal government to reimburse Texas the $500 million that he said the state has spent on securing the border since 2005...

"Allowing them to remain here will only encourage the next group of individuals to undertake this dangerous and life-threatening journey here," Perry said...

"Send them back! Send them back!" the crowd at the specially called meeting chanted, shouting down Chief Border Patrol Agent Paul Beeson after he took responsibility for transferring the Central American children and families to Murrieta from the overflowing facilities in Texas. Read more about Perry to feds: Send child immigrants back home

California city is latest immigration flashpoint

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When American flag-waving protesters forced busloads of migrants to leave Murrieta earlier this week, the Southern California city became the latest flash point in an intensifying immigration debate that could heat up even more as patriotism surges on the Fourth of July.

The city's mayor has become a hero to those seeking stronger immigration policies...

...protesters blocked the road, forcing federal officials to take the immigrants elsewhere.

A second protest is planned for July 4...

"We've had it," said Carol Schlaepfer, a retired Pomona resident who protested Tuesday in Murrieta. "We all want a better life. ... You can't come to our country and expect American citizens to dole out what you need, from grade school till death."...

"It's not the 140 we're concerned about," Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone said of the number of people on the three buses turned away by Murrieta protesters. "It's the thousands more that will follow that will strain our resources and take away the resources we need to care for our own citizens."...

In New Mexico, one of a few states that grants driver's licenses to immigrants who entered the country illegally, residents have been less enthusiastic about taking on the burden....

Residents told authorities they were afraid the immigrants would take jobs and resources from U.S. citizens.

  Read more about California city is latest immigration flashpoint

Vote NO in NOvember to stop this from happening in Oregon

Colorado passed a driver card bill last year, similar to the one passed in Oregon.  Unfortunately, the option of a citizen's veto referendum was taken away from the citizens of Colorado with the issuance of a 'public safety clause', similar to the over-used emergency clause here in Oregon.

Fortunately, Protect Oregon Driver Licenses filed a veto referendum and citizen activists from across the state of Oregon worked diligently to gather over 77,000 signatures so that the issue of granting driver cards to illegal aliens could be placed on the ballot allowing voters to decide if they want Oregon to go down this path.

Read about what's happening in Colorado and then remember to Vote NO in NOvember!

 


  Read more about Vote NO in NOvember to stop this from happening in Oregon

Non-Citizen Driver’s Licenses Bogging Down Colorado DMV

A new kind of driver’s license for non-citizens will soon be available but even before the Department of Motor Vehicles can issue them, advance requests are clogging up the system.

Tens of thousands of drivers in Colorado are calling the DMV to register for the new ID which is clogging the system.

Those licenses are the result of a law passed last year that aims to improve public safety by making sure every driver in Colorado, regardless of their legal status, has a license.

The law doesn’t take effect until Aug. 1 but the DMV began making appointments on Tuesday for applicants. In the first day they scheduled 823 appointments, by phone and online; that’s more than 100 per hour. Thousands of others were not able to get through.

“I try and try and try,” said America Carbajalo, a driver who tried to call to make an appointment for applying for the new non-citizen licenses.

Those without a Social Security number, including illegal immigrants, are eligible for driver’s licenses or identification cars if they can prove they live in Colorado, have been paying taxes and have applied for citizenship.

In order to comply with federal law, the cards are marked “Not Valid For Federal Identification, Voting or Public Benefit Purposes.”

“I think they didn’t understand how important this is to the immigrant community, didn’t anticipate people chomping at the bit to get driver’s licenses and do things the right way,” said Gabriela Flora, who helped get the law passed.

She said the DMV expected 45,000 applicants the first y ear but it will likely be double that.

Carbajalo, a native of Mexico, has been waiting 16 years to drive her granddaughter and isn’t about to give up.

“I try everyday. I need an appointment. I need my license,” said Carbajalo.

Read more about Non-Citizen Driver’s Licenses Bogging Down Colorado DMV

Man with memorable tattoo gets 3 years for sex crime

A former Irrigon man who evaded justice for 12 years is going to prison for three years for a sex crime.

Court records show Martin Estrada, also known as Juan Manuel Virelas-Martinez, pleaded guilty June 19 to one count of second-degree sodomy.

Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson said Oregon State Police investigated Estrada in August 2002 for sex crimes in Irrigon. Police found Estrada received oral sex from a girl who passed herself off as 15 when she was a 13-year-old runaway living with him in his trailer. Detectives interviewed Estrada and arrested him Aug. 29, 2002.

But Estrada was able to take off before facing trial.

Then in May, state police arrested a man for a drug-related charge. The man used the name Juan Manuel Virelas-Martinez. Umatilla County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Fox, who handles inmate information at the Pendleton jail, noticed Martinez’s fingerprints matched Estrada’s.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had a warrant for Virelas-Martinez. While jail staff processed the warrant and found more information for ICE, they also found state and federal identification information that linked Virelas-Martinez to a Martin Estrada.

Virelas-Martinez also sported a large tattoo below his chest that displays his home state Michoachan in Mexico and two scantily clad women on either side of his belly. Old police photos of Estrada show the same tattoo.

While Fox nailed down the identity of the sex-crimes defendant, his victim remained unknown. Nelson said his staff found the young woman living in Houston, Texas. His office spoke with her once, he said, but then all communication stopped.

Nelson said the case against Estrada was on the verge of dismissal when Harris County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in Texas found the victim again. The office assigned an investigator to the case who talked to the woman and promised to protect her if she had to testify.

Nelson said that set the stage for a plea deal with Estrada, who after doing his time faces deportation.

Martin Estrada’s tattoo matches the tattoo of Virelas-Martinez. Police believe they are the same man.

  Read more about Man with memorable tattoo gets 3 years for sex crime

Massachusetts Committee Defeats Illegal Alien Driver's License Bill

Legislation that would make illegal aliens eligible to receive driver's licenses and learner's permits in Massachusetts failed this session because of its lack of support among constituents and within the Massachusetts legislature. Last week, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Transportation voted to send House Bill ("H.B.") 3285 to study, effectively killing consideration of the legislation this session. (Boston Globe, Jun. 24, 2014).

H.B. 3285 would have removed the provision in Massachusetts law that requires an applicant to provide a Social Security Number for proof of identity in order to receive a driver's license or learner's permit. (H.B. 3285) The bill would have also prohibited the registrar of the Department of Motor Vehicles from denying a driver's license or learner's permit to any person who fails to provide evidence of immigration status. (Id.)

Massachusetts Representative Marc Lombardo, who represents the 22nd Middlesex District, opposed H.B. 3285 because he believes the legislation would create a "magnet" by encouraging illegal aliens to move to Massachusetts, and serve as a shield against the enforcement of federal law. (MassLive, Mar. 11, 2014) "To give identification to those who are illegally here allows our ID to essentially mean nothing. It becomes a form of ID that allows those that are illegally here to hide in society with those who are legally here," said Representative Lombardo. (Id.)

Massachusetts Senator Richard Moore, who represents the Worcester and Norfolk District, also opposed H.B. 3285. "I don't think it will make the roads any safer," Senator Moore said. "The individuals who are here violated the law to be here and remain here and I don't see how granting them licenses guarantees they'll obey traffic laws any better than they do immigration laws." (Telegram, Mar. 16, 2014) Senator Moore further noted, "Illegal immigration needs to addressed — not changing our laws at the state level to make someone who is here illegally, entitled to a privilege. Driving is a privilege." (Id.)

Legislators were not the only true immigration reformers to speak out against the bill. H.B. 3285 faced strong opposition during its hearing in March in the Joint Committee on Transportation by community leaders. Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson was among those who testified against H.B. 3285. He said the proposal would reward people who violated federal immigration laws and warned that granting licenses would not mean safer roads. (Boston Globe, Mar. 6, 2014) "We are a country of laws," Hodgson told the committee. (Id.) "If we begin to tell people that we'll make exceptions for any group, then we have to honestly ask ourselves, do the laws really matter?" (Id.)

Massachusetts Senator Patricia Jehlen, a sponsor of H.B. 3285, advocated on behalf of the measure, arguing that immigration status should not be a bar to getting a driver's license or learner's permit. (WWLP, Jun. 23, 2014) "I'd rather everybody or more people on the roads who are driving have taken the test and having insurance." (Id.) However, there is little evidence to suggest illegal aliens who fail the driving test will not drive, since many claim to drive unlicensed already. Similarly, data from New Mexico, who has issued driver's licenses to illegal aliens since 2003, suggests that granting driver's licenses to illegal aliens would in fact increase the rate of uninsured drivers, not reduce it. New Mexico is now home to the nation's second highest percentage of uninsured drivers. (Insurance Research Council, 2011)

The defeat of H.B. 3285 marks a victory for true immigration reform. So far in 2014, eleven states have considered legislation that would enable illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses and identification cards, and none have passed.

  Read more about Massachusetts Committee Defeats Illegal Alien Driver's License Bill

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