Fatal Aurora wreck illustrates illegal immigration challenge
By Judi Villa, Rocky Mountain News
Published October 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.
Updated October 21, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
In many ways, the case of Francis Hernandez illustrates the challenges police face on a daily basis when it comes to immigration enforcement.
Arrested by eight different jurisdictions in the past five years. Twenty-nine warrants for failing to appear. Twelve aliases.
Yet Hernandez, 23, repeatedly claimed he was born in California. He was actually born in Guatemala, was never flagged as an illegal immigrant and never faced deportation. When he was arrested last month after a triple-fatal car crash in Aurora, his case became a rallying cry for immigration reform.
And Gov. Bill Ritter ordered a systemic review of how state, local and federal law enforcement handle immigration enforcement in Colorado.
A 31-member working group met for the first time Tuesday. And Hernandez was a topic of discussion.
"We had no indication that this person was an illegal immigrant," Aurora police Chief Dan Oates said. "There's no place to call, there's no button to push, there's no query that automatically tells you if somebody is or is not a U.S. citizen."
Police say illegal immigrants are sapping resources from already strapped departments, and during a more than three-hour meeting Tuesday afternoon, they told the working group about the challenges they face enforcing immigration laws.
Officials at the Colorado State Patrol say troopers encounter about 500 illegal immigrants every week. Each one takes several hours to book.
Last year, Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said his agency referred 3,052 suspected illegal immigrants to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
In Aurora, Oates said officers and jailers made more than 2,500 ICE referrals last year. So far this year, they have made about 1,900.
The working group, made up of police, policymakers and community stakeholders, is tasked with identifying problems and information gaps related to immigration enforcement, discussing possible statutory changes and formulating policy recommendations. The group will meet five times through Nov. 17. Their report is due to Ritter by Dec. 31.
Hernandez's case helped spark the review. He is accused of broadsiding a pickup truck on Sept. 4 in Aurora, sending both vehicles careening into a Baskin- Robbins. Two women in the pickup truck were killed, as was a 3-year-old boy in the ice cream shop. Hernandez entered the U.S. illegally in 1991, authorities have said.
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October 21, 2008
11:02 a.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Hopefully they can come up with a solution. However, I am not holding my breath for this one.
October 21, 2008
11:09 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
"The 31-member group, ordered by Gov. Bill Ritter, has been directed not only to identify shortcomings in the state's immigration enforcement but also to find solutions."
Here's a solution. Throw them in jail - then deport them. If they come back... throw them in jail (longer) - then deport them again. Don't depend on ICE; handle it on a state level.
Ritter better get some concrete, demonstrable results "toot sweet" or Tancredo will be measuring the drapes in the Governor's Mansion at the next election.
The People aren't really in much of a mood for political window-dressing and another committee that spends it's time flailing around with no results at the taxpayer's expense.
This is your one chance Ritter. Prove you deserve to sit at that desk or get out of the way.
October 21, 2008
11:24 a.m.
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Brittanicus writes:
Thank you Governor Bill Ritter, who can join the ranks of other pro-sovereignty, anti-illegal immigration officials, against the globalist open border fanatics.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION has become a pestilence, that is eating away funding for welfare programs for citizens and legal residence. Believe it when I say that at least a $1.trillion dollars a year is payed out, to accommodate 37 million illegal aliens according to Tucson sector Border Patrol union local 2544. As an example Los Angeles, Sanctuary city residents paid out $11. billion dollars to support illegal alien welfare.
US taxpayers are supporting parasite businesses that hire illegal aliens.
Some five million fraudulent home mortgages are in the hands of illegal aliens, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The middle class already overburdened with war appropriation funds, is still force to pay for the education, free health-care and Federal, state welfare handouts for illegal criminals. SIGN UP FOR THE SAVE ACT(H.R.4088) enforcement 'ONLY' law at www.numbersusa.com.
SIGN JUDICIAL WATCH, A LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS PETITION, TO RESCIND ALL 'SANCTUARY CITIES & STATES. www.sanctuarybusters.org/?source. www.numbersusa.com to Petition the SAVE ACT. For immigration facts not propaganda or lies,
PASS THIS ON COPY, PASTE & DISTRIBUTE FREELY
October 21, 2008
11:28 a.m.
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campesino60 writes:
according to the article: state and local agencies must step in because they "are on the front lines" and Democrates insist that Colorado has the toughest immigration laws in the country, that's if they're enforced! Which Denver fails to do. So I don't believe an audit, review board or working group of community members need to meet and examine any "gaps" in the system. It's quite elemantary number one son; enforce the law! Any police officer will tell you most felony stops are made when a vehicle is pulled over due to a broken tail light, expired license plate,etc. In Denver though that would be racial profiling. Back about 20 years ago if a vehicle was stopped and the driver couldn't produce a vaild drivers license the driver was arrested. Times have changed.
October 21, 2008
11:29 a.m.
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Stan_Weekes writes:
Members of the working group include:
Stephanie Villafuerte, Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff
Peter Weir, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Public Safety
Chief Dan Oates, Aurora Police Department
Hon. John Suthers, Colorado Attorney General
Sheriff Grayson Robinson, Arapahoe County
Sheriff Stan Hilkey, Mesa County
Sheriff Lou Vallario, Garfield County
Chief Dan Brennan, Wheat Ridge Police Department
Sheriff Terry Maketa, El Paso County
Chief Dennis Harrison, Fort Collins Police Services
Lt. Col. Doyle Eicher, Colorado State Patrol
Maj. Brenda Leffler, Colorado State Patrol
Capt. Kevin Eldridge, Colorado State Patrol
Kathy Sasak, Deputy Director, Colorado Department of Public Safety
Sheriff Doug Darr, Adams County
Patricia Medige, Colorado Legal Services
Hon. Nancy Todd, Representative, Colorado General Assembly
Hon. Jim Kerr, Representative, Colorado General Assembly
Hon. Dave Schultheis, Senator, Colorado General Assembly
Hon. John Morse, Senator, Colorado General Assembly
Amber J. Tafoya, Esq., Colorado Immigrant Rights
L. Antoinette Salazar, Salazar & Associates
Hon. Scott Storey, District Attorney
Hon. Andrew Romanoff, Speaker, House of Representatives, Colorado General
Assembly
Hon. Steve King, Representative, Colorado General Assembly
Troy Eid, United States Attorney for the District of Colorado
Roxanne Humber, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Revenue
Ari Zavaras, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Corrections
Ron Sloan, Director, Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Chief Gerald Whitman, Denver Police Department
Ann Terry, Colorado Department of Public Safety
October 21, 2008
11:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
Michael writes:
A freakin' "task force"????? Geez, only government can make something that is relatively simple into something that is so complex. Here are my findings without a task force:
1. Enforce ALL US laws (federal and state) currently on the books regarding US immigration policy. No excuses.
2. Disavow and discontinue all official and non-official policies currently being employed that encourage what is called "sanctuary" city status on the City and County of Denver.
3. Moving forward, at the scene of any crime or suspected crime or traffic stop, any/all suspects and interested parties shall be asked for proper and legal identification and immigration status. As this will be applied to all, there is no racism or profiling. Any/all persons that cannot comply will be taken into custody and status will be verified.
4.Any drivers that cannot produce a valid license, proof of insurance, and registration shall be held until proof is established. Car to be impounded immediately. Car will be returned upon proof of above documents and if not, car will be auctioned in 90 days.
5. All employers in the City and County of Denver (including City and County of Denver) shall use e-verify starting immediately to verify status of employees and new hires. Any violations of this shall be levied a $5000 fine for first offense, $10000 fine for second offense, lost of business license on the third offense.
6. A victim's fund shall be established immediately through taxation or from other revenue sources to compensate American citizens who are the victims of crime(s) committed against them by illegal aliens.
This is a beginning and I did it in 5 minutes. It ain't that tough.
October 21, 2008
11:40 a.m.
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Creative_N_Denver writes:
They can start in Commerce City, most of the food places are hiring illegals, I know this for a fact. They need to check out the schools too- Adams 14 has numerous illegal children going to the schools and then there are those not even in school shopping with Momma at the local WalMart. They are out there in the open and no one is questioning it, there is no solution if everyone closes their eyes and pretends the problem will go away on it's own!
October 21, 2008
11:46 a.m.
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campesino60 writes:
I wonder why the public, victims, or family members of people who have been killed by an illegal immigrant aren't asked to sit on these review boards? I guess it's better to smother a bad burrito with a good green chilie than actually admit that the product is baddd.
October 21, 2008
11:51 a.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
freethought writes:
Throw them in jail...$$$
Deport them...$$$
Any donations...???
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a thought... how about we use the money that would be saved from not having to provide Medicaid, Public Schools, Housing assitance, and free health care to illegals?
October 21, 2008
11:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
strohslite writes:
www.FIRECOALITION.COM
WWW.NUMBERSUSA.COM
TRUE INFORMATION ON THE UNARMED INVASION THE UNITED STATES IS FACING!
October 21, 2008
1:05 p.m.
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benkho writes:
Politic is just dirty, democrat scare to do anything about it, because they are thinking what is good for them.
more people will vote democrat if this people become legal and become US Citizen, and soon or later they will become american citizen thru married or from their son and daugter born in the US.
They(democrat) will stay in power with out thinking about what is good for the country. I am immigrant myself but never take advantage all the goverment program.
Close the border and control the people that willing to work and pay taxes and contribute to this great country.
we can not send all those people back so legalize them and Make them pay Taxes and let them pay for all benefit they already used until they become citizen.
Go Mc cain.... Obama you just try to win for yourself, you do what ever to win, you distance yourself from your pastor even i know you are just the same
October 21, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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outspokengirl123 writes:
deportation is not always the answer for the immigration problem we are having in this country. many of those people have small children that ARE American citizens and have every right to be here. I think an Immigration reform is long over due and it's about time were addressing it. Not with direct deportation!
October 21, 2008
3:01 p.m.
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MARK_POOL7 writes:
WHEN IS THE BORDER FENCE SUPPOSED TO BE COMPLETED? THAT MIGHT HELP A LITTLE, FOR A WHILE ANYWAY.
October 21, 2008
8:23 p.m.
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NewToCO writes:
I just moved to CO this summer and am not familiar with the state laws so please forgive if I come across ignorant. Does CO require some sort of documentation that proves American citizenship for folks applying for a driver's license?
If not, the state should. I think the same should be required for people renting an apartment, signing up for a bank account, applying for government assistance, etc.
If you are arrested you should have your citizenship verified before being released. How difficult is it? C'mon folks, let's get it together.
If you are in the country legally, more power to you. I'm all for anyone being able to try to make a better life for themselves, but the point is doing so LEGALLY!!!
October 21, 2008
8:25 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
How about a 32 force group of cops working night and day seven days a week.
Let them deport and remove all criminals and illegal aliens all hours of the night and day.
The message will get out to stay away from Colorado and go somewhere else.
Wonder why every state is having budget shortfalls Illegal Aliens have fed off the teet of the taxpayer way to long.
Report and deport and offer a reward for those who report illegal alien employers.
Let's start there and make our way up the ladder til we only have americans on the welfare.
No one from another country should ever recieve benefits at the expense of taxpayers.
Want to come here bring money then take care of yourself like everybody else did.
October 21, 2008
8:35 p.m.
LoFat writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
October 21, 2008
9:14 p.m.
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MattGuyver_007 writes:
That's it Ritter- form another task group to think about this and throw more of my money towards it.
Wake up you idiots! It's called jail then deportation.
i.e. Ever notice that the socialists say there are 47 million 'people' in America without health insurance. They don't say there are 47 million 'Citizens' without health insurance. THAT'S BECAUSE THERE AREN'T!
October 21, 2008
10:24 p.m.
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jrhino writes:
If Amber Tafoya gets a seat at the table Stan Weeks from Colorado Aliance for Immigration Reform deserves one. He is the hub of the Colorado immigration reduction movement. Fair is fair.
October 21, 2008
10:51 p.m.
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SierraStorm writes:
Wake up Obama, McCain, and Mr. and Ms. Public. Illegal immigration is a major contributor to the economical woe's of the nation. This article demonstrates that to a degree. Hospitals demonstrate it even more. The housing industry in construction and loans to illegal's are a primary factor in the down turn of the economy because the banks will give them loans at 2% while you, Mr. and Ms. America pay 4-5% or more.
Encase you haven't figured it out yet, illegal immigration is changing your political system and your demographics in a rapid and disproportionate manner.
Of course people will say, "Illegal immigration doesn't bother me, they just want a good life that they can't have in Mexico or other places". That is probably what the survivors of the three Baskin Robbins catastrophe thought before the death giving incident occurred. Bet they are singing a different tune now.
October 21, 2008
10:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
dgroves writes:
conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien's unlawful residence in the United States and aiding and abetting an alien to remain in the United States, both felony offenses.
Those are federal offenses. Those are the wordings of the federal laws. Not to be captain obvious, but isn't that what the government does when they give them welfare, food stamps, free health care, free housing, free daycare, etc.
Shouldn't politicians who harbor illegals by "aiding and abetting an alien to remain in the United States" be prosecuted?
If we are going to enforce laws, lets be consistent. Otherwise the government looks like a bunch of hypocrites.
October 21, 2008
11:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
NOT ALL AMERICAN 'HISPANICS' ARE ILLEGAL..AND DON'T
DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THEM AS ..IF THEY WERE ..ILLEGALS !! DENVER POLICE..DENVER DETECTIVES!!!
October 21, 2008
11:48 p.m.
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campesino60 writes:
This is the year of the sleeping mexican or is giant?
Anyway,
we have a dog in the fight this time...BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA!!!!!!
October 22, 2008
1:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
p_myers661 writes:
happymike44
You want a reward for report program that will not only work to clean up the program but guarantee that the companies will be afraid to take a chance?
Simple. Make it a part of a hefty fine, I'd make it 5K for the first illegal employed, per person and then next offense 10K per illegal employed and third time, if they are that dense, 20K per illegal employed with a three month loss of business license. In addition, we need to add an additional sweetener. so the company will open its books and every illegal currently employed at time of offense will receive a payment equal to the entire wages paid to that person. An equal amount is given, at the expense of the employer, to the first official informant reporting the illegal employment.
I'd add e-verify for that employer also at their own expense.
Add these provisions to the laws and there will be no employer foolish enough to try it. Some changes need to be used for independent contractor status, next refuge and current refuge in too many construction employment sequences.
The attraction is the jobs. Lose those, amend the constitution or elect a president who will nominate justices who will revisit the current nonsense decision and we can create a self-deportation situation. Oklahoma did it. let's see if we can match their success.
In that spirit, we need to defeat Amendment O which would make it virtually impossible for citizens to amend the constitution or pass laws but leave it easily possible for big money concerns to do so.
Unite and fight. Give the illegals a welcome wave back across the border.
October 22, 2008
2:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
mrfxx writes:
p_myers661 is being easy on businesses. Perhaps he is unaware that Arizona is in its first year of a "2 strikes" plan: the first time an employer is caught with illegal employees and cannot prove he/she was misinformed by e-Verify, the business is shut down for 1-10 days; the 2nd time, the business loses their state business license. When that went into effect in Jan, a large number of illegals self-deported; unfortunately, most went to other states, not home.
The EU, which was ONLY facing 500,000 illegal immigrants/year, had similiar laws - but also included meaningful fines (directly impacting bottom lines of companies as opposed to numbers "just for show" which were less than 1% of that year's gross income) AND jail time for executives of repeat offenders.
By the way - before anyone blames the Dems for this entire mess, follow the money. Who benefits except illegal EMPLOYERS (by keeping the wage base down - and increasing their profits)? And aren't those same employers historically GOP? Remember that post-Katrina, Bush signed an executive order banning verifying workers legality involved involved in the cleanup (rather than having a nationwide call for workers) - does anyone in their right mind believe that all or even most of the folks who came here to benefit from those jobs actually went back to their homelands?
October 22, 2008
11:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
milt560 writes:
All people arrested need to be checked for their legal status. Illegals need to be deported!!!