Protest against Costa Mesa's Decision to Deputize Police Officers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Protest against Costa Mesa's Decision to Deputize
Police Officers
COSTA MESA- On Tuesday, January 03, concerned citizens
forming a collective called Tonantzin will converge
upon the Costa Mesa City Council in protest of the
City Council's decision to train city police to
enforce immigration law. The measure was approved by
the council on December 7, 2005. Costa Mesa will be
the first United States city to merge police and
immigration duties.
This measure raises concern amongs the Mexican and
Central American community. How will officers
distinguish between those who are legal and illegal?
Will all who come in contact with police be asked to
validate citizenship? people will be subject to racial
profiling, based on appearance and surname. The
measure will also erode relations between immigrants
and police, as immigrants will fear reporting crimes.
Furthermore, vigilantism may increase, as residents
may attack and harass Hispanics they believe to be
illegal.
Police officers are not border patrol agents! All are
invited to demand the repeal of the City Council's
decision and prevent racial profiling and unfair
attacks on immigrants in Costa Mesa.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 03, 2005
TIME/WHERE: Protest begins at 5PM at the Costa Mesa
City Council (77 Fair Drive)
Why: Then at 6pm protesters will take over the city
council to speak out against the proposal of Mayor
Allan Mansoor demanding 1) The re-opening of the day
Labor cite. 2). The withdrawl of the vote that will
give power to certain police officers to enforce
immigration law. 3) The recall of those city council
official who voted for the closing of the day labor
cite and the proposal that will give power to police
officers to enforce immigration laws.
Press contact: Coyotl Tezcalipoca,
matlazinka@hotmail.com
Phone 714 299-8817
Sources:
"Costa Mesa police will enforce immigration law."
Overley, Jeff.
Orange County Register. Dec. 7, 2005.