Driver in fatal crash at Baskin-Robbins placed on immigration hold
Judi Villa
Published September 7, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.
Updated September 8, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.
Photo by @Special to the Rocky
Francis Hernandez has been arrested nearly 20 times in metro area.
A man accused of causing an accident that sent two cars careening into an ice cream shop, killing a 3-year-old boy and two women Thursday, likely is not a U.S. citizen, immigration officials said Sunday.
But it was unclear Sunday whether Francis Hernandez, 23, is an illegal immigrant. He could have another immigration status.
On Saturday, immigration officials put a hold on Hernandez, who has been arrested almost 20 times in the metro area, almost all on misdemeanor charges. If he is released from jail, Hernandez will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
"Although there is conflicting data on his place of birth, it is currently believed that he is a non-U.S. citizen," Carl Rusnok, spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wrote in an e-mail Sunday.
The news contradicts initial police intelligence. On Friday, Aurora police Lt. John Sopranuk said officers had looked into Hernandez's immigration status and concluded he was in the U.S. legally.
If it turns out Hernandez is in the country illegally, the question will become why he wasn't deported before he slammed his Chevrolet Suburban into a pickup truck, triggering the carnage Thursday at a Baskin- Robbins in Aurora.
Colorado passed an "anti- sanctuary" bill in 2006 that requires local law enforcement agencies to report to ICE any illegal immigrants who are arrested or cited for most offenses that are more serious than a traffic citation.
Hernandez, who has a rap sheet dating to 2003, has been arrested five times since the law took effect, but immigration officials said Sunday he wasn't referred to them.
All of those arrests involved traffic infractions, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigations records. But they also involved obstructing police and lying to officers. And during four of the incidents, Hernandez was cited for being a fugitive from another jurisdiction.
Police agencies that have had contact with Hernandez since the law took effect could not verify Sunday whether or not they had referred Hernandez to immigration authorities.
Hernandez is jailed on vehicular homicide charges after police say he caused the crash at East Mississippi Avenue and South Havana Street. He was scheduled to appear in court today at 10 a.m.
Marten Kudlis, 3, was killed when the careening wreckage snared him from a window seat at Baskin-Robbins and dragged him to his death. Two women inside the pickup truck, Patricia Guntharp, 49, of Centennial, and her best friend, Debra Serecky, 51, of Aurora, also were killed.
Hernandez ran from the scene but was arrested a couple of hours later. He had no driver's license and there is no indication he has ever had a valid license, Aurora police said.
Hernandez's arrest record indicates he has listed California, Mexico and Guatemala as places of birth. He also has used eight variations of the name Francis Hernandez.
villaj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2792
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September 8, 2008
3:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
happymike44 writes:
Why was this guy even on the street.
He and his whole family should have been deported back to that toilet called Mexico.
We need to pressure the police to detain illegal aliens and remove them from the United States.
This dirtbag needs to be executed and removed from the planet.
But Mexico will probably decry us wanting justice for this p.o.s. human being murdering our citizens.
No matter what we must stay the course and get rid of this ignorant murdering scum.
Put this kind scum on top of old smokey and flip the switch.
We also have a way to handle these illegal aliens.
When we sit on a jury put them in jail.
We need to remember they have violated our laws which makes them guilty automatically of breaking the law.
Just by entering the country illegally and being here is a crime and so they are guilty.
No if ands or buts about it they are guilty.
September 8, 2008
5:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
RoyalPayne writes:
This is the result of our government refusing to enforce it's own laws. Many of our elected officals have sold their soul and their country for money, power and votes. Even now in the Presidential election they are courting the Latino voters, when a political speech is given in Spanish, we have big problems. We are losing our language, culture and American way of life while neither political party will discuss illegal immigration. Denver and Colorado are proud of being a sanctuary, if not true many more would be deported. We have to live ( and die) with the results.
September 8, 2008
5:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mike846 writes:
Apparently the RMN is congenitally incapable of printing the words "illegal alien" in its pages. The same goes for the Post and all other media outlets in the city. Any number of the crimes this jerk was picked up for (16 of them!) would have landed any white or black man in jail. This guy was kicked loose. You must take ACTION! Vote against any candidate who supports sanctuary policies. Call and write all city councilmen and mayors; flood their offices. Boycott ANY business that employs illegal aliens, and TELL them you are boycotting them, and why. One person at a time, we must ACT, and do what we can do. I hope the families of these victims sue all the municipalities that had this guy in custody and kicked him loose. Hell, I'll contribute to the legal fund. We have to put a stop to this OURSELVES. Mike
September 8, 2008
6:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Federal Immigration and Nationality Act
Section 8 USC 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)(b)(iii)
"Any person who . . . encourages or induces an alien to . . . reside . . . knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such . . . residence is . . . in violation of law, shall be punished as provided . . . for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs . . . fined under title 18 . . . imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both."
Section 274 felonies under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, INA 274A(a)(1)(A):
A person (including a group of persons, business, organization, or local government) commits a federal felony when she or he:
* assists an alien s/he should reasonably know is illegally in the U.S. or who lacks employment authorization, by transporting, sheltering, or assisting him or her to obtain employment, or
* encourages that alien to remain in the U.S. by referring him or her to an employer or by acting as employer or agent for an employer in any way, or
* knowingly assists illegal aliens due to personal convictions.
Penalties upon conviction include criminal fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of vehicles and real property used to commit the crime. Anyone employing or contracting with an illegal alien without verifying his or her work authorization status is guilty of a misdemeanor. Aliens and employers violating immigration laws are subject to arrest, detention, and seizure of their vehicles or property. In addition, individuals or entities who engage in racketeering enterprises that commit (or conspire to commit) immigration-related felonies are subject to private civil suits for treble damages and injunctive relief.
September 8, 2008
6:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
"On Saturday, immigration officials put a hold on Hernandez, who has been arrested almost 20 times in the metro area"
Yea right, Denver is not a sanctuary city......what a joke you are Mr. Ritter!
September 8, 2008
6:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Recruitment and Employment of Illegal Aliens
It is unlawful to hire an alien, to recruit an alien, or to refer an alien for a fee, knowing the alien is unauthorized to work in the United States. It is equally unlawful to continue to employ an alien knowing that the alien is unauthorized to work. Employers may give preference in recruitment and hiring to a U.S. citizen over an alien with work authorization only where the U.S. citizen is equally or better qualified. It is unlawful to hire an individual for employment in the United States without complying with employment eligibility verification requirements. Requirements include examination of identity documents and completion of Form I-9 for every employee hired. Employers must retain all I-9s, and, with three days' advance notice, the forms must be made available for inspection. Employment includes any service or labor performed for any type of remuneration within the United States, with the exception of sporadic domestic service by an individual in a private home. Day laborers or other casual workers engaged in any compensated activity (with the above exception) are employees for purposes of immigration law. An employer includes an agent or anyone acting directly or indirectly in the interest of the employer. For purposes of verfication of authorization to work, employer also means an independent contractor, or a contractor other than the person using the alien labor. The use of temporary or short-term contracts cannot be used to circumvent the employment authorization verification requirements. If employment is to be for less than the usual three days allowed for completing the I-9 Form requirement, the form must be completed immediately at the time of hire.
An employer has constructive knowledge that an employee is an illegal unauthorized worker if a reasonable person would infer it from the facts. Constructive knowledge constituting a violation of federal law has been found where (1) the I-9 employment eligibility form has not been properly completed, including supporting documentation, (2) the employer has learned from other individuals, media reports, or any source of information available to the employer that the alien is unauthorized to work, or (3) the employer acts with reckless disregard for the legal consequences of permitting a third party to provide or introduce an illegal alien into the employer's work force. Knowledge cannot be inferred solely on the basis of an individual's accent or foreign appearance.
Actual specific knowledge is not required. For example, a newspaper article stating that ballrooms depend on an illegal alien work force of dance hostesses was held by the courts to be a reasonable ground for suspicion that unlawful conduct had occurred.
September 8, 2008
6:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
IT IS ILLEGAL FOR NONPROFIT OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS to knowingly assist an employer to violate employment sanctions, REGARDLESS OF CLAIMS THAT THEIR CONVICTIONS REQUIRE THEM TO ASSIST ALIENS. Harboring or aiding illegal aliens is not protected by the First Amendment. It is a felony to establish a commercial enterprise for the purpose of evading any provision of federal immigration law. Violators may be fined or imprisoned for up to five years.
Encouraging and Harboring Illegal Aliens
It is a violation of law for any person to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection in any place, including any building or means of transportation, any alien who is in the United States in violation of law. HARBORING MEANS ANY CONDUCT THAT TENDS TO SUBSTANTIALLY FACILITATE AN ALIEN TO REMAIN IN THE U.S. ILLEGALLY. The sheltering need not be clandestine, and harboring covers aliens arrested outdoors, as well as in a building. This provision includes harboring an alien who entered the U.S. legally but has since lost his legal status.
September 8, 2008
6:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
An employer can be convicted of the felony of harboring illegal aliens who are his employees if he takes actions in reckless disregard of their illegal status, such as ordering them to obtain false documents, altering records, obstructing INS inspections, or taking other actions that facilitate the alien's illegal employment. Any person who within any 12-month period hires ten or more individuals with actual knowledge that they are illegal aliens or unauthorized workers is guilty of felony harboring. It is also a felony to encourage or induce an alien to come to or reside in the U.S. knowing or recklessly disregarding the fact that the alien's entry or residence is in violation of the law. This crime applies to any person, rather than just employers of illegal aliens. Courts have ruled that "encouraging" includes counseling illegal aliens to continue working in the U.S. or assisting them to complete applications with false statements or obvious errors. The fact that the alien is a refugee fleeing persecution is not a defense to this felony, since U.S. law and the UN Protocol on Refugees both require that a refugee must report to immigration authorities without delay upon entry to the U.S.
The penalty for felony harboring is a fine and imprisonment for up to five years. The penalty for felony alien smuggling is a fine and up to ten years' imprisonment. Where the crime causes serious bodily injury or places the life of any person in jeopardy, the penalty is a fine and up to twenty years' imprisonment. If the criminal smuggling or harboring results in the death of any person, the penalty can include life imprisonment. Convictions for aiding, abetting, or conspiracy to commit alien smuggling or harboring, carry the same penalties. Courts can impose consecutive prison sentences for each alien smuggled or harbored. A court may order a convicted smuggler to pay restitution if the alien smuggled qualifies as a victim under the Victim and Witness Protection Act. Conspiracy to commit crimes of sheltering, harboring, or employing illegal aliens is a separate federal offense punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or five years' imprisonment.
September 8, 2008
6:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Enforcement
A person or entity having knowledge of a violation or potential violation of employer sanctions provisions may submit a signed written complaint to the INS office with jurisdiction over the business or residence of the potential violator, whether an employer, employee, or agent. The complaint must include the names and addresses of both the complainant and the violator, and detailed factual allegations, including date, time, and place of the potential violation, and the specific conduct alleged to be a violation of employer sanctions. By regulation, the INS will only investigate third-party complaints that have a reasonable probability of validity. Designated INS officers and employees, and all other officers whose duty it is to enforce criminal laws, may make an arrest for violation of smuggling or harboring illegal aliens.
State and local law enforcement officials have the general power to investigate and arrest violators of federal immigration statutes without prior INS knowledge or approval, as long as they are authorized to do so by state law. There is no extant federal limitation on this authority. The 1996 immigration control legislation passed by Congress was intended to encourage states and local agencies to participate in the process of enforcing federal immigration laws. Immigration officers and local law enforcement officers may detain an individual for a brief warrantless interrogation where circumstances create a reasonable suspicion that the individual is illegally present in the U.S. Specific facts constituting a reasonable suspicion include evasive, nervous, or erratic behavior; dress or speech indicating foreign citizenship; and presence in an area known to contain a concentration of illegal aliens. Hispanic appearance alone is not sufficient. Immigration officers and police must have a valid warrant or valid employer's consent to enter workplaces or residences. Any vehicle used to transport or harbor illegal aliens, or used as a substantial part of an activity that encourages illegal aliens to come to or reside in the U.S. may be seized by an immigration officer and is subject to forfeiture. The forfeiture power covers any conveyances used within the U.S.
September 8, 2008
6:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
RICO -- Citizen Recourse
Private persons and entities may initiate civil suits to obtain injunctions and treble damages against enterprises that conspire to or actually violate federal alien smuggling, harboring, or document fraud statutes, under the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO). The pattern of racketeering activity is defined as commission of two or more of the listed crimes. A RICO enterprise can be any individual legal entity, or a group of individuals who are not a legal entity but are associated in fact, AND CAN INCLUDE NONPROFIT ASSOCIATIONS.
Tax Crimes
Employers who aid or abet the preparation of false tax returns by failing to pay income or Social Security taxes for illegal alien employees, or who knowingly make payments using false names or Social Security numbers, are subject to IRS criminal and civil sanctions. U.S. nationals who have suffered intentional discrimination because of citizenship or national origin by an employer with more than three employees may file a complaint within 180 days of the discriminatory act with the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, U.S. Department of Justice. In additon to the federal statutes summarized, state laws and local ordinances controlling fair labor practices, workers compensation, zoning, safe housing and rental property, nuisance, licensing, street vending, and solicitations by contractors may also apply to activities that involve illegal aliens.
Then there is Tax Ritter...that would say...this man is only commiting agriculture tresspass..
Nuff Said!
September 8, 2008
6:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
We need Sheriff Joe Arpiao to sweep up the mess in this city!
September 8, 2008
7:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
DALLAS — Illegal immigrants are returning home to Mexico in numbers not seen for decades — and the Mexican government may have to deal with a crush on its social services and lower wages once the immigrants arrive.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4...
Muck You Fexico
September 8, 2008
7:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY!!!
OUR ACCEPTABLE IMMIGRATION REFORM
#1. Secure the Border!!!
#2. Mandate E-Verify for ALL Employees!!!
#3. Mandate E-Verify for ANY Benefit!!!
#4. Stop the Underground Economy!!!
#5. End Birthright Citizenship for Illegals!!!
and make it retroactive!!!
#6. End Chain Migration!!!
#7. Make English our Official Language!!!
#8. Cut Off Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities!!
September 8, 2008
7:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
prophecyking writes:
How long do we have to let these Illegals kill us and our children before we hold the city that says its not a sanctuary city accountable? The families should sue the city for its failure to do what it exists to do. Protect the citizens. Illegals are selling drugs to our kids and increasing the gang violence here in Colorado.
Hold the city responsible! Hit them where it will make a diffrence. If my tax dollars can pay for an illegal to get representation in court then it sure can help pay for a lawyer for the families hurt by this illegal so they can sue Hickenlooper, Ritter, the judge that let him out and the city. I know the cops want to send the illegal criminals away so I would leave them alone. They are trying to do the best they can in an organization that wont let them do thier job.
We need to stop this because its getting worse. I dont have a problem with the guy who is here to work and is a good person. Kick out all criminals that are illegal. Simple as that.
September 8, 2008
7:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
SanctuaryCity writes:
You can blame amnesty ken & the wannabe guv for their failure to enforce our immigration laws. They just don't get it as they leave the state unsafe.
September 8, 2008
7:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
Americans Queue for Jobs at Raided Plant
Monday, September 8, 2008, 8:00 AM
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/new...
Doing the jobs American's won't do? What a bunch of La Raza c_r_a_p!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 8, 2008
7:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
GOP Platform Reverses Bush Pro-Amnesty Stance
Updated Friday, September 5, 2008, 9:00 AM
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/new...
September 8, 2008
7:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Rangerjoe1 writes:
Gov. Ritter could give a flying frick about law abidding coloradians, Being govenor is just a hobby to him. A power grab for his own amusement. He's got to go next election or maybe a recall vote. This illegal immigrant war is up to US ,our goverment lackies will just sweep our lifes, United States citIzens under the bus. Three more dead, HEY RITTER HOW MANY IS ENOUGH?
September 8, 2008
8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
I hope they impounded this illegal alien s_c_u_m_b_a_g_s car, or would that be racist?
September 8, 2008
8:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
becket writes:
As Nixon used to call us, the "silent majority" are sheep that want the sheepdog to watch over us. The sheepdog has given up and the fight is over. We have a government of politically correct do nothings and don't cares as long as they get overpaid to do nothing. I'm sorry to say the situation is hopeless because of the size of government. Our society, our culture is GONE.
September 8, 2008
8:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
HumanBeans writes:
ILLEGAL ALIENS S_U_C_K!
September 8, 2008
8:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
wyhammertime writes:
This is just like the war on drugs the goverment could win it overnight but they don't want to because look at all the people that would lose their jobs at treatment centers and such !! I feel that ENFORCED LAW'S would be a good start but then again BOUNTY come to mind ???You are here illegaly you are gone and don't come back!!! I know of certain country's that if you used drugs it is a lifetime ban from this country but yet they let them across the border everyday hmmmm . Sounds like the pocket liner lawmaker's are at work again!!!!
September 8, 2008
8:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
Hick and the City Council has blood on their hands! ENFORCE THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE - JOHN HICKENLOOPER!!! It is your responsibility as the mayor (for now!) of our city. If this animal was truly arrested in Denver on July 18 for traffic related offenses, the BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS MAYOR (AND MONTERO/GARCIA CITY COUNCIL!!)...
September 8, 2008
9:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
ssquared,
I know I read your last comment and was not offended at all. I have no idea why they removed it.
September 8, 2008
9:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
RickyLee writes: "Time for some class-action lawsuits against our local cities/officials who are engaging in sanctuary policies."
Until some elected officials start losing their jobs over this - NOTHING will change. These guys just keep pushing the issue down the river for the next guy and hope they don't actually have to do anything about it.
THESE POLITICIANS AND JUDGES DON'T CARE BECUASE IT ISN'T THEIR FAMILIES THAT ARE PAYING THE PRICE! The elites could care less because it isn't their schools, their hospitals, their neighborhood streets that are being impacted.
If the State won't enforce the law - the PEOPLE will.
16 TIMES. This guy had been arrested 16 TIMES and they did nothing. You don't have to stage any huge sweeps and start rounding people up, BUT WHEN YOU CATCH THEM - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
September 8, 2008
9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
To add to ssquared's last comment:
If you are not aware of who your representative is or how to contact him/her, please use the following link:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.s...
September 8, 2008
9:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
fntsymtn writes:
Curious ... where are all the "the police should pay" people? I would expect that they would be up in arms demanding that the government pay the families of the victims of this tragedy a ton of money because they failed to incarcerate this puke.
September 8, 2008
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
If it turns out that Denver PD had more than 2-3 total "contacts" with this guy - particularly in light of the July 18 incident - this deal is going to EXPLODE in the Mayor's face!! As it should...
and the City Council's face. WHICH VOTED 10-1 AGAINST IMPOUNDING THE CARS OF UNLICENSED DRIVERS that are stopped for traffic violations!!!
THE DENVER VOTERS PASSED IT ON AUGUST 12!! WHERE IS THE ENFORCEMENT MAYOR?? CITY COUNCIL??
BY CODE, YOU HAVE 7 DAYS to certify AND begin enforcement!!!!
WHERE IS THE NEWS COVERAGE OF THE NON-ENFORCEMENT ROCKY & POST?? OR EVEN THE PASSING OF THE INITIATIVE????? "journalists" my bottom...
September 8, 2008
9:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mtnsjohn writes:
Pay now or pay later.....
Hey, it costs money to investigate, arrest or detain, put though a due process system and then deport those who illegally enter the country. But one can only imagine the expense of detaining, providing a public defender, paying judges, prosecutors, jurors and witnesses and then, if found guilty, providing the offender with a comfy cell, cable TV and 3 squares a day for how many decades in order to serve our sense of justice for the senseless deaths of three innocent lives.
Why did Francis Hernandez end up in Colorado? Prospects of a job.
I would venture to say that the blood of these three is on the hands of a certain Governor, who, despite strict laws directed at employers passed by a bipartisan legislature in 2006, has failed to enforce them. Instead he assigned "enforcement" to the compliance branch of the Department of Labor. Call them and ask how many cases have been filed and how many employers have actually been investigated.
Our Guv, who never mentioned illegal immigration in his last State of the State address, is still looking to that road to citizenship for them and for the votes that could be bought from a group of new citizens eternally grateful to the Democratic party.
For provisions of these laws go to:
http://www.coworkforce.com/LAB/FactSh...
September 8, 2008
9:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
I don't really understand the push for new laws. As Gary has posted we have laws on the books. Enforce them and raise the penalties if necessary.
September 8, 2008
9:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
fntsymtn writes:
Curious ... where are all the "the police should pay" people? I would expect that they would be up in arms demanding that the government pay the families of the victims of this tragedy a ton of money because they failed to incarcerate this puke.
I do feel terribly sorry for the victims and their families and friends of this tragic incident. But I, for one, don't believe that we, the taxpayers, should have to pay for the inequities of our "government". The politicians who have allowed this to happen should open their own pockets to the ones who were affected.
September 8, 2008
9:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
T1anda writes:
What's REALLY mind-bending is that McCain and Obama want to give the gift of American citizenship to these outlaw, uncultured illegal aliens. In Mexico it is "macho" to drink and commit crimes with no consequences!
I read that it is a common practice to "hit and run" with vehicles in Mexico and that goes unpunished.
Rape in numerous Mexican towns and villages goes unpunished. It is almost like it is accepted! Don't believe me? Google it!
I guess when one of these candidates are elected the illegals will have the "rights" then, to continue their assults on American citizens!
I am almost tempted to stay home and not vote for either one of these pro-amnesty candidates!
September 8, 2008
9:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
OldSailor writes:
Aliverer writes:
If there is a protest over this I pledge to take off work and be there. ENOUGH!
POS Killed three innocent people!
**********************************************************************
I agree with Aliverer, I was off work for 2 months which was very hard on me financially and I just got a job but I would miss a days work to attend a protest over the lack of elected officials to do their f@@king job and enfource the Federal laws pertaining to illegal immigration.
September 8, 2008
10:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
Hey RickyLee,
Let me know if O'Reilly is going to air this. It would be very interesting to watch! I missed his planned interview with Obama. Did it actually happen?
September 8, 2008
10:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Fred writes:
Shaggy,
Law enforcement does have some culpability in the situation if you ask me.
I agree that they “have to do what their told”. The problem is….they don’t.
Just ask them about the possession laws, breed specific legislation and the concealed carry laws.
All are local ordinances that are at contrast with state or federal laws.
The city and law enforcement chooses what laws to prosecute and what laws to ignore.
Don’t be caught speeding in Denver on your way to work if your Caucasian. They’ll pursue you to fullest extent of the law. Then again, if your tags are dead and you don’t have a license….you’ll be let go 16 times because there’s no revenue involved.
It sure seems to me that the ability to collect revenue is what drives the beat cops.
September 8, 2008
10:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
What an OUTRAGE!!!!!!!!!! When is this every going to stop ?
Enough is enough !!!!
If he's deported he'll just turn around and come back.....
Built that fence already or nothing will change, the few that get deported will just be back in 3 days to a week and continue back where they left off.
Viva la migra!!!!!!!!!!
September 8, 2008
10:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
ObiWan writes:
You can check out his full criminal history, plus some audio from the scanner as APD was trying to track him down...
http://www.completecolorado.com/Herna...
September 8, 2008
11:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
This is a link to the RMN article from a few weeks back where the Denver City Council made a public proclamation opposing Initiative 100 (which was passed by Denver voters a few weeks later).
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
The most vocal opponents of Initiative 100 were:
Mayor John Hickenlooper - 720-913-1311
Councilman Rick Garcia - 303-458-4792
Councilwoman Judy Montero - 303-458-8960
Councilman Paul Lopez - 303-935-1274
Denver's elected officials MUST ENFORCE THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE!!! Please take a minute to call each of these shills and DEMAND ENFORCEMENT OF INITIATIVE 100!!
September 8, 2008
11:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Beau writes:
Hey, hey, Ritter and Hickenlooper,
How many kids have you killed today?
September 8, 2008
11:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Fred writes:
We’re in agreement. I was just pointing out that law enforcement doesn’t get a free pass from me on the immigration issue. Good cops know the laws and enforce them or at least try too.
Our cops have given up in the face of no federal support or they’re simply on the wrong side of the issue. It’s hard to tell which it is.
There are police departments all over the country making news in their strides to help curb illegal immigration. One only needs to look to Pennsylvania and Arizona to see what local cops CAN do. They just have to be willing. It still comes back to the boots on the ground.
Punish employers with Jail time for the first provable offense and make the fines so heavy that it would be professional suicide to hire an illegal.
Deport illegal immigrants on first offense.
Remove the anchor baby laws.
Problem solved. The rapid self deportation would be a thing to see.
Only when those changes are made should we consider a better work visa program.
SSQUARED,
Quote:
agree with your comment. However, common sense dictates that there is NO 'plus' revenue when we, the taxpayers, will have to pay hundreds of thousands, if not millions, to prosecute, house and feed this piece of crap for the next several years. Just proves there is no common sense or ethics among our elected public officials.
----------------------------------------------------------------
We’re in agreement. What I was saying is the cops know there will be no revenue generated from traffic stops when the driver is illegal. So the legal citizens are being held to a higher standard because we will (are forced too) pay the fines. It’s selective enforcement at its worst.
September 8, 2008
11:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
fmikey writes:
Right now, the responsible parties as detailed accurately and articulately in the above posts are laying low, just waiting for the smoke to blow over, and the matter to be forgotten. This incident doesn't affect them, and frankly is of little concern to them. There is a large Latino constituency in Denver, and playing to that constituency is more important to Hickenlooper and friends than this tragedy is.
However, it is possible for average citizens to affect the situation. Remember this, and the clearly special interest oriented positions taken by these folks at election time. The individuals who opposed Initiative 100 are listed above. Remove them, particularly Hickenlooper who has shown himself to be a classic shill, and also Ritter when his time comes.
Illegals are illegals - there is no reason to coddle them, other than for the involved politicians' own benefit.
September 8, 2008
11:42 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
intrepid,
I'm curious. What do you think should be done in this particular situation?
September 8, 2008
12:07 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
intrepid,
Do you think he should not be turned over to ICE if he is, in fact, a Mexican citizen?
September 8, 2008
12:50 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
'Don't use the word murder. It's incorrect. I'm sure you'll find out why."
It was murder....this scumbag ran (aka Mexican insurance) and left these people to die!
September 8, 2008
12:57 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
intrepid,
I'm sure most people realize that he probably didn't kill these people on purpose, but based on all of the trouble he has caused in the past, and how he reacted in this incident by fleeing, he appears to have no respect for this country or our laws, as well as for his fellow human beings. The deaths of these people were enabled by our corrupt politicians and that's what helps bring out most of the hatred for Hernandez. We don't have the obligation to "help" him.
September 8, 2008
1:07 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
"Didn't you consider the possibility that he was scared for his life?"
Maybe scared he would be deported!
Look at this scumbags picture.......looks real sorry for getting caught!
HE IS A MURDERER!
September 8, 2008
1:10 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
"He has a child, you know."
Yea an A_N_C_H_O_R baby that the citizens will now pick up the tab on.
September 8, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
He is a monster.
September 8, 2008
1:30 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
"Maybe you should say that to his Girlfriends face, instead of me!"
NO PROBLEMO!
September 8, 2008
1:33 p.m.
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prophecyking writes:
Why would this not be a lesser form of murder. I can understan not being 1* Murder but think about it...This guy has shown a pattern of bad behavior and got into a car knowing he had been drinking heavily and the decided to drive. Its not like he hit a kid that ran out in the street to catch a ball....he hit a BUILDING!!!! How drunk do you have to be to not see a BUILDING in front of you. Also look at his my-space page if you dont think this guy might be a monster...just take a look.
September 8, 2008
1:43 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
See the MONSTER'S rap sheet!
http://www.completecolorado.com/Herna...
September 8, 2008
1:51 p.m.
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HumanBeans writes:
¡Intrépida es a - el prositute de la raza!
September 8, 2008
2:03 p.m.
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jajknight writes:
I cannot begin to describe the anger I feel because of this story. No story on RMN has affected me emotionally like this one. I sincerely hope a bill is created in the little boy's name - let it serve as his legacy and maybe, just maybe his life will save others...
September 8, 2008
2:46 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
I challenge RMN to interview Chief Whitman, Mayor John Hickenlooper, Councilman Rick Garcia, Councilwoman Judy Montero, Councilman Paul Lopez, and anyone else responsible for this!
September 8, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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coarizona writes:
It is time to sue Hickie and his crew. Damages award go to the victim's family. They don't pay any attention to this type of news. They feel they are contributing SOOO much more to the Denver lifestyle and culture. Heck, I would love to see a recall movement. Might perk me up a bit.
September 8, 2008
4:15 p.m.
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Citizen21 writes:
The legal or illegal immigrant status is central to this story. Wake up! This is not racist. There is a breakdown in the justice system when you can repeatedly give false information to the police and be let go. If he is illegal and has had false papers, that's huge. Beyond being here illegally - hence a criminal - he falsified papers - ID Theft, a FEDERAL offense. Does he pay taxes? If not, a Federal offense most likely to follow with a jail sentence.
The fact that the police possibly did not do their jobs by detaining him or reporting him to ICE does make them partially at fault for this tragedy. The fact that his IDs were not checked out also make them liable. So, his legal or illegal status is extremely important.
RMN - do your job a a newspaper and report the news. The whole story. There are a lot of unanswered questions here. Facts, Report the facts please. Three people lost their lives, the deserve the whole truth investigated and reported...not how some criminal "felt" as reported by a lawyer. That's not the story and you know it!
September 9, 2008
1:10 a.m.
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Creative_N_Denver writes:
When you accept the responsibility of driving, no matter what reason, you also except that you are driving a possible weapon. No different than holding a loaded gun. You are in control of that equipment. When you kill an innocent person, you must also except the consequenses. When taking the drivers test, it clearly states the rules about having an accident and not leaving the scene. It seems to most people that this person was running once again from the law. Not to clear his head, he has always ran or avoided serving jail time.
There are also way too many hot heads out there on the roads, add drug use and other abuse, we have a real mess out there.
Our government needs to enforce the laws to protect the people in which they serve. When first introduced to Big Brother everyone complained, how can we give police the actually data that is needed without also providing our own? If we want more information available to the police then we all must be willing to have our information placed in that database as well. It is a double edged sword. In order to see actual justice we need to provide the people who serve us, the tools that they need.