Reporting of illegals down
Sanctions, better enforcement, economy cited
By Burt Hubbard, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
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The number of suspected illegal immigrants turned over to federal authorities by Colorado law enforcement agencies dropped 40 percent last year, when compared per month with the mandatory reporting law's first year.
It's a sign that the number of people in the state illegally is falling because of stepped-up enforcement, employer sanctions and the economic downturn, officials and lawmakers said.
"That's kind of an indication of how market forces, with a little bit of a nudge from legislation, can actually have some impact," said State Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock.
Still, police and sheriffs departments forwarded 16,000 names to Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials in 2007, with relatively few resulting in automatic holds for deportation, state and federal records show.
In 2006, the state legislature, as part of a package of bills to crack down on illegal immigration, passed a law requiring all police agencies to alert ICE officials when they detained or stopped someone they suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.
The bill, co-sponsored by Wiens, also required the agencies to notify the state legislature each March on how many names they had sent to immigration officials during the previous year. The only exceptions were stops for routine traffic tickets and arrests for domestic violence, until the case is resolved.
Flood of names slows
The law went into effect in June 1, 2006, and police agencies flooded ICE with names, referring about 15,200 people over the next seven months. That's the equivalent of about 2,170 a month.
Last year the pace slowed, according to reports filed with the state legislature. For the entire year, agencies forwarded about 15,900 names to ICE, or about 1,325 a month. That's almost a 40 percent drop.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office had one of the largest declines, 79 percent, among major law enforcement agencies, records show. It fell from 2,167 referrals for seven months in 2006 to 776 for all of 2007.
"I think there are a lot of increments that probably make it all up, some efficiencies on the part of enforcement, some political issues and some economic issues," said Phil Spence, bureau chief for detention and administrative services. "If you put all of these things together, I think it has an impact on our numbers."
Spence said that the number of border agents has climbed to 18,000 from 4,000, the housing slump has led to a decline in jobs and more states are putting together teams to combat human trafficking, like Colorado has done in the state patrol.
Pueblo County has noticed a significant decline in illegal immigrants coming through its jail, said Laurie Leach, spokeswoman for the county sheriff's office. The office referred 105 names to ICE last year, compared with about 400 the prior year, Leach said.
Denver, Jefferson County, Boulder County, Douglas County and Larimer County also reported fewer people referred to ICE monthly.
Wiens said that other figures on medical claims and school enrollment back up the idea that the number of immigrants here illegally has declined.
"If we just start paying attention to this stuff, these things do become somewhat self correcting," he said.
But not all agencies forwarded fewer names to ICE. Weld County, Aurora and Adams County saw an increase in referrals. Weld County referred 2,741 names last year, the highest in the state and an increase of 34 percent from 2006.
The number is up because ICE has gotten the bugs out of the system from the first year of reporting, Weld County Undersheriff Margie Martinez said.
"It's not that we are picking up more people, it's that more people are being screened," Martinez said.
Problems still seen
Even though the numbers are down statewide, ICE still has a hard time keeping up. Most law enforcement agencies said that ICE is doing a better job putting detainers on illegal immigrants and deporting them after they serve their jail sentences in Colorado.
Still, police said that the federal agency is being selective on whom it flags for deportation.
"They have to prioritize who they go after," said Cmdr. Bruce Haas at the Boulder County Jail. "If a guy's here for a DUI case, his first arrest, and he may be here illegally, I don't think they are really going after those people."
ICE generally puts detainers on suspected illegal immigrants through either jail visits or computer inquiries to its Vermont center.
Statistics on Colorado police inquiries to the Vermont center show that they rose to almost 20,000 for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007, from 11,000 in fiscal year 2005 before the Colorado law went into effect.
But the number of detainers issued through the center totaled only 330 both years, ICE figures show.
Carl Rusnok, ICE spokesman, said that the agency has beefed up its use of detainers through jail interviews, which could have led to a decline in detainers issued through the Vermont center. Statistics on jail detainers were not available, he said.
Comments
Posted by mtnsrfer on March 22, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So what. So they simply quit speeding and beating their wives and the numbers look a lot better. Send a couple I.C.E. vans to every constrution site in the metro area and you will find the numbers will drastically expand.
It's not always the big corp. you need to look at. There are so many small employers that will not hire an American because they want a decent wage.
If they do hire Americans, it will be at sub-par wage. But I guess it's OK, sub-par will get you a bag of chips and a lead painted toy at walmart.
Posted by MidwayRemebered on March 22, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hell No, it's because of people unwillingto obey the law. I turn in a list weekly of illegals ad nothing is done. Salazar is the lead as being a damned coward and sell out
Posted by politwriter on March 22, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I applaud Colorado for taking action vis the illegal alien invasion, but it looks like much too little way too late.
Note how the feds say they can't process them all. Note how the local authorities say they won't forward illegals for merely driving illegally or beating their wives.
So it's only rapists and murderers that Colorado will try to deport?
Here, in Chicago, the Democrats have made it a "sanctuary city." Our police and jailers have a "don't ask -- don't tell" policy for illegal aliens.
When a Republican State Rep. proposed a bill to require reporting by jailers and cops, the Chicago illegal alien lobby called him a "racist" and got Chicago liberal Democrats to shoot down his bill.
You are at least trying to maintain our borders, language and culture. But here up North, the Democrats just want their votes.
This is Barack Obama's Chicago.
Posted by Labas on March 22, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Wiens said that other figures on medical claims and school enrollment back up the idea that the number of immigrants here illegally has declined."
I wish the reporter, Hubbard, would have expounded on this statistic. How much has the tax burden on schools and unpaid medical bills at hospitals decreased since Colorado started getting tougher on illegal immigration? Has school enrollments of illegal immigrants decreased? Has the drain on free hospital medical services lessened?
How many illegals referred to ICE were actually deported statewide and how many were allowed to stay?
Posted by tiero on March 22, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Illegals are down is a bunch a BS. Take a ride to North Denver or Adams County. Our government is not doing a darn thing to protect america. By the way, crime is running out of control. GUESS WHO ????
Colorado is a sanctuary State
Posted by vudumom on March 22, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Numbers will be back up so Shanahan can build his mega-mansion.Who else will do the work? I hope it falls down on him after being built by illegals.Most of the other houses are.
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yesterday I was driving on I70 near Idaho Springs and we saw the CHP with 6 or 7 mexi's up against the car and and INS van. COOL!!!
Posted by Earl on March 22, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
now get the ones hiding under rocks out. if they want to come back the legal way fine but the illegals need to be shipped out or jailed like the mexican government does illegals in mexico.
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do something about it 1-866-347-2423 ICE
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Midway - Did you say nothing is done when you turn in lists? They are required by law to investigate that.
Next time make sure you get a name of who you are talking to & ask for their supervisor.
Let them know your calls haven't been investigated and ask for a follow up call.
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Midway - or if you'd like go to the Denver Post and look up American2 on the 1500 attend Fishbein funeral. That's the 2nd story on the front page. PM me and I'll give you my fax number and you can give me your list. I'll call it in and make sure something happens.
Posted by T1anda on March 22, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure haven't seen a "lessening" in Illegals!!!!! They are EVERYWHERE speaking in that dopey Mexican language they use. The True Spanish language is beautiful and a Spaniard would need an interpreter to understand what these illegals are even saying!!
They bring their kids in stores and babble on as LOUD as they can! They are so arrogant and clueless they don't even notice the dirty looks they get from other shoppers!! I have witnessed this many,many, times in recent years.
We NEED to oust politicians that allow sanctuary to these dishonerable people in every American city!! If the politicians start losing THEIR jobs because of the illegals, things might change...ya think??? If people would wake up and start voting these idiots out it would help!!!
When one of the Three Stooges up for election becomes President, an out and out amnesty will be granted and we will continue on our road to Third World, overcrowded, crime ridden, status!!
A HUGE segment of the working population and criminal elements of Mexico is in the United States right now. Imagine what will happen in the coming years when, Obama..McCain and Clinton let these sneaks STAY in the country and continue to GIVE away the farm to all of them!!! Disgusting!!!!
Posted by GetReal on March 22, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who cares how many illegals were REPORTED?
How many were actually DEPORTED back to Mexico?
This is nothing but yet another puff piece giving the false impression that Colorado is tough on illegal immigration, when in all actuality, the misleading stats provided most likely show that law enforcement simply doesn't report all illegals to ICE, but only those with serious prior arrests.
Hell, thanks to Hicks sanctuary policy, the Denver cops can't even ask if they are here legally on a routine traffic stop.
If these stats would include ANY individuals found to be here illegally and reported, there is no way the numbers would be down.
What a blatant sham.
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Getreal - is that true? There is a Hick policy that doesn't allow cops to ask for papers in a traffic stop.
Posted by kathyM on March 22, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
politwriter, It's not Obama's Chicago. It's Mayor Daley's Chicago: Vote early and often, even if you're illegal!
Posted by Brain on March 22, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course if I get stopped and don't have a license and no insurance and probably a fake registration my car goes to impound and I will am more than likely going to jail while the illegal Canadian just gets ignored and told to go on his/her way.
Posted by GetReal on March 22, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
American-
From a Tancredo letter addressing Denvers sanctuary policies-
"In 1998, Mayor Webb signed city Executive Order 116 protecting illegal aliens from losing benefits from the newly enacted welfare reform regulations.
In 2002, Mayor Webb signed Executive Order 119, ordering all city agencies and city employees to accept the Mexican Matricula Consular card for city services.
These two directives are still on the books. Mayor Hickenlooper has not rescinded them. They send a clear and powerful message to illegal aliens-you are welcome in Denver!
Police Department Operations Manual Section 104.52 tells police officers not to question anyone about their immigration status, not to call immigration authorities and make inquiries, unless and until they are arrested for a crime..."
http://www.cairco.org/sanctuary/prote...
You would think them PHYISICALLY BEING HERE is a crime in itself justifying arrest,reporting and deportation.
If 104.52 wasn't on the books, and law enforcement was allowed to do their job, the number of reported illegals would increase dramatically.
How convenient of the RMN to omit this pertinent information in their lengthy article.
Posted by gary on March 22, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Illegals numbers down...HAHAHA...more crap from the Rocky Mountain News. More rubbish to try and cover up the problems..
DENVER THE LITTLE MEXICO OF COLORADO...
They love them for the votes and for the $$$$ from the government programs.
Nuff Said!
Posted by mrfxx on March 22, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For all of you who are blaming the state, kindly remember the state CANNOT deport. The state can only report to ICE (which has been gutted by the Feds). If we really wanted to get illegals out of Colorado, we would initiate a constitutional change similar to that in Arizona which puts the blame squarely where it belongs: on the backs of illegal employers. That state's new law, which went into effect 1/1/2008 (and was signed into law by a Democrat) is 2 pronged:
1) employers are responsible for verifying a prospective employees legal work status
2) severe penalties for hiring illegals including a shutdown of the business for up to 10 days for the FIRST offense - and a loss of their state business license for the SECOND offense.
As far as Shanahan (or anyone else who hires a contractor who hires illegals) being somehow responsible - my question to you folks who have ever hired any contractor or lawn care company is: have YOU demanded verification of the laborer(s)' status (or have you turned a blind eye to get the best deal)? Have you ever walked out of your favorite restaurant because you suspected that the kitchen help was illegal after telling the management why? If we individuals don't let companies know that those which hire only legal workers will get our support - even if it costs more - WE are part of the problem!
Posted by Brain on March 22, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mrfxx
The issue is reporting illegals by the state/municipalities not deporting them; they are not reported to ICE when stopped for a “routine traffic stop/ticket” and other minor crimes.
I agree the state needs to crack down on employers like Arizona has. But I do my own lawn care and paint my own house and build my own fence; I have walked out of fast food restaurants more than once because of the obvious hiring practice and NO, my “favorite restaurant“ does not hire illegals. I also will not buy anything within Denver city limits due to their “liberal” policies towards illegal immigrants , taxes etc.
Posted by American100 on March 22, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian - you are a breath of fresh air.
It's a great message you are sending.
I was recently in the market for real estate and decided to take my business outside of Denver because of the large number of illegals there.
I didn't learn until today that the Mayor encourages illegals and discourages enforcement.
Posted by snowbelly on March 22, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nobody's going home because politicos want their votes.Citizenship meams nothing and people who contonue to obey laws and pay taxes are just behind the times.People who obey laws are just like the guy who drives 55 mph in the fast lane, an obstruction.
Posted by snowbelly on March 22, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, I sure wish we had a country. Jesus bless your Easter.
Posted by Civility on March 22, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad that you're staying out of Denver, Brian, because we don't want people like you. I moved into Denver because people are lot nicer than in the southern suburbs. I enjoy the diverse, friendly and open minded people in the great city of Denver, Colorado.
Posted by Campbell on March 22, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Colorado has some of the weakest laws in the country to protect our state from illegal migration. Owens made sure of that, and old Ritter is continuing that practice. Very deceptive article. Colorado is a sanctuary state and the citizens of Colorado are paying for it dearly with their jobs, the ability to educate their children, the cost of healthcare and social services. The Rocky Mountain News has a lot of nerve putting out a bogus article like this.
Posted by gwats on March 23, 2008 at 3:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Illegals are thicker than cow pies in Aurora! I need my neighbor's kid to translate for me when tell my Mexican neighbor not to pull out engines in the freaking driveway! If you can't deport them, at least thin them out a little.
Posted by Mtnsjohn on March 23, 2008 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Read an "Inconvenient Book" by Glenn Beck and the last chapter will reveal where we are headed. Why all the effort to deport or build a fence once we erase our borders and adopt the Amero as currency.
Posted by American100 on March 23, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who's "WE" civility?
There are many business in Denver that still depend upon American support.
When more people like Brian, and Myself, stop spending our US dollars in Denver establishments, they'll be begging us to come back.
And of course they'll need our American's to fill the positions the illegals leave behind.
Posted by Brain on March 23, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Civility; your another reason I stay out of Denver as much as possible (and don't buy anything while there).
"we don't want people like you"? You would rather people that have no regard for law?
BTW, it's BRAIN!
Posted by Brittanicus on March 23, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although Colorado is not fully supporting its enacted immigration legislation, it still has made some effort. Other states such as Arizona, Georgia and Oklahoma have also listened to its taxpayers. However the globalist, open border, free traders have been silently implanted in our government and their main agenda is the free movement of cheap labor throughout the North American continent. The European Union is a good example of this, where indigenous peoples have been outsourced by mass foreign national cheap labor.
We can stop the travesty of our immigration laws, if only the majority of Democrats would co-sign the SAVE ACT. With only 18 more votes to go, we could bring this enforcement only bill to a vote. However, the Democrats want to attaches an addendum to the bill. It would give the 12 to 20 million foreign nationals occupying our nation, an easy ride to legality. This is wrong when millions wait for years patiently, to get THE PEOPLES permission to get a entry visa.
The SAVE ACT is a by-partisan law is awaiting just 18 signers, to bring this enforcement only to a House vote. The SAVE ACT will supersede any state laws, in its magnitude. It will go after the real culprits who are the predator employers. It is enforcement by Attrition or Self-Deportation. Cannot get work, then they will leave of their own accord.If you are one of the citizens fed up with subsiding the poor, uneducated from around the world. When the new personage steps into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, then we will be seeing the 12 to 20 million getting a path to citizenship. Nobody should have a right to legalization without going home and being processed like all immigrants.
YOU! And only YOU, can stop this travesty of our Immigration laws?
Tell your representatives to co-author THE SAVE ACT?
Congress is currently on recess through March 31st, so your representative will likely be in the home constituency and available to meet with its citizens.
FREE FAXES FOUND HERE. Keep calling your Congressmen today, toll free numbers include 1-877-851-6437 and 1-866-220-0044, or call toll 1-202-224-3121 AND REGISTER YOUR OUTRAGE at ongoing efforts to keep our country from enforcing its immigration laws!
http://capwiz.com
www.numbersusa.com
www.fairus.org
www.vdare.org
Posted by American100 on March 23, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OOPS-Sorry BrAin.
Posted by Pagen on March 23, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was just forced out of my job because my boss is Mexican and is slowly getting rid of everyone but mexicans. At the Village Inn I worked at for 5 yrs and I worked my ass off and never called in but once and even did extra cleaning every week but I am not submissive and stand up for myself so I get fired for insabortination. I knew he was trying to get rid of me but had nothing on me but they pushed my buttons when I was at my weakest with my daughter having problems with pregnacy and I was stressed out. It is now down to 3 white people and every one else is mexican because he can push them around and work them any hours he wants and they won't fight it. I think it is wrong and discriminatory and I know a lot of them are illegal along with the other Village Inns also. All they need to do is go to all the Village Inn's, Denny's, Ihop, any of those places and they will find plenty of illegals that are taking american jobs.
Posted by American100 on March 23, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most Mexican owned/managed establishments do hire mexi only.
Sounds like a lawsuit looking for a place to happen.
Posted by roni248 on March 23, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, why do Mexicans cry about prejudice's and unfairness, when
they on the other hand only want ..their own people. If a manager from any restaurant, or any other company is Mexican do you think he will hire an American, even a Hispanic American ? No, he won't !
He'll hire an illegal, or a barely legal Mexican. Our teen-agers, young adults have a hard time getting employment. At one time,
Denver and Jefferson County had summer youth program's it;s pretty much sewed up, with Mexicans and their programs for their own people.
American 100, yes they hire mex only (not hisp-Amer,but Mexican)
Posted by p_myers661 on March 23, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We can work like Oklahoma and Arizona. Once the illegals are in danger of being jailed, (OK) and held until the federal government can deport they leave the areas of danger. If they can't get a job because the employer is afraid of the consequences of breaking law, they will go where they can work. Once the illegals leave for places like Illinois, the people there will decide between their politicians and their jobs. The politicians will decide that they want their jobs too. End result is a law that won't coddle illegals.
Most important of all is someone with the authority to file suit against the twisting of the 14th amendment so that the matter will come before the Supreme Court. Once they settle the matter, and no one but a fool thinks they will permit the present stupidity to endure, the matter will settle itself.
Posted by Pagen on March 23, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is one American hispanic at that Village Inn the rest are either illegal or residants. Most can't speak english or very little and they are taking jobs away from people who need them. It is a law suit waiting to happen and we will see what human resources has to say come Monday.
Posted by The_Punnisher on March 23, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Call ICE at 1-866-347-2423 to report ANY suspicious activity.
You can initiate a CITIZEN'S ARREST, if you feel it is warranted.
It is up to the INDIVIDUAL to protect our rights; the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES are under no obligation to do so. ( Check GONZALES vs CASTLE ROCK for the sickening ruling by the Supreme Court ).
If this was treated like the INVASION that it is, we would be using our FIREARMS on the invaders, like we did for EUROPE in WWII.
We would also HANG the QUISLINGS that have supported this invasion.
We would start with local government & work our way up.
Posted by roni248 on March 23, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pagen, Good luck!
Hey, we were watching Comics Unleashed the other night and a African-Amer comedian was joking, that he went to Wal-Mart and it was full of Mexicans..and he and a white guy spotted each other
(didn't know each other) in the crowd and nodded to each other ..like what's up homie?!! They all cracked up laughing, why aren't they called racists? Jay Leno..too, lots of other comics joke about it, but if we say anything its derogatory.
So, lets say it all joking and laughing. ha.ha. lol. (Just wondering.)
Posted by Pagen on March 23, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess it's not so funny when you lose your job.
Posted by American100 on March 23, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's food for thought - by now there are so many illegals looking for work it's hard to determine which are legal and which are not, especially since I can't ask sub-contractors for verification.
So I'm recently starting to think that maybe I shouldn't hire Mexicans at all. At least that way I can be relatively sure whoever I hire is legal.
That stinks for the legals but unless they voluntarily show me paperwork, I won't know.
Posted by nosnivlers on March 23, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you that patron WALMART. You might as well be lftting the ILLEGALS over the border you're self. Walmart has enabled the culture to allow the illegals to prosper. Go and watch any of the 4-6 documentaries about wallmart and the decline of the american dream. They are one of the biggest reasons. Illegals/walmart go hand in hand.
Posted by roni248 on March 24, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pagen,
You're right it isn't funny, it's frustrating, do what you gotta do. I was just saying that comedians joke about it and they're not called names, it wasn't about your situation. ok?
Posted by bockclocker on March 24, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just because someone doesn't speak/write english doesn't mean they are illegal. They might have just gone to Denver Public Schools.
Posted by VWbabybear on April 13, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to start off by stating, “I’m not here to offend anyone and if I do I apologize!”
I have only read some of these posts and am really disgusted at how some of us can not only be cold hearted but at the same time have no mind but everyone thinks they are right. I’m not here to judge anyone. Just remember one thing that everyone seems to be forgetting. This country was never OURS to begin with. It was Native American land and they never had a chance in defending what was rightfully theirs. Another thing, if you are not BLACK or a SLAVE then you're really not a US citizen as neither am I. Some people think you should take away the citizenship of those children born from illegals. Then I say take everyone’s including mine because I am not a slave or black. If you remember the citizenship was put into place for those that were black slaves.
Who gave any of you the right to criticize and degrade those illegals? I’m not saying its right but it is wrong for us to sit here and say they have no right to be here. I don’t care if they are legal or illegal; we are to blame. We are to blame because we promote our country as this beautiful place and land of opportunity. We were born here and have all the luxuries others don’t. What about our government? There are soooo many other issues we have to solve in addition to Immigration but our government is toooo worried about solving other problems besides our own. How ridiculous is that? There is a documentary by Aaron Russo, “America: Way to Fascism” or something like that I recommend everyone to watch. You think its bad now but I think its going to get worse.
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