F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

COLLECTIVO TONANTZIN’S RESPONSE TO ARREST OF COYOTL TEZCALIPOCA AT COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL

On Tuesday, January 3, approximately 100 people, including members of the Tonantzin Collective, converged upon the Costa Mesa 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 city in the United States to merge police and immigration duties.

The proposal raises concern among Mexicans and Central Americans throughout Orange County. Brown-skinned 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 people they believe to be undocumented.

During the last council meeting, Coyotl Tezcalipoca, a member of the Tonantzin Collective, was arrested during public comments. After innocently requesting the audience to stand up in support of immigrant rights, Mayor Allan Mansoor cut him off before his time was up. Before he had a chance to leave the podium, several police officers surrounded him and forcefully took him into custody, violating his right to free speech and assembly. Video footage taken by a Spanish language television station shows a police officer kicking him while on the ground. On the other had, supporters of the Mayor’s proposal were not subjected to the same kind of treatment when they did the same thing.

A press conference will be held today at Costa Mesa City Hall:

WHEN: Thursday, January 05, 2006

TIME/WHERE: Press conference begins at 6 PM at the Costa Mesa City Hall
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Speakers will address the following issues: 1) the re-opening of the day labor site, 2) the withdrawal of the vote that will give power to certain police officers
to enforce immigration laws, 3) the recall of city council members who voted for the closure of the day labor site and the proposal that will give power
to police officers to enforce immigration laws, and 4) that all criminal charges be dropped against Coyotl Tezcalipoca.

Press contacts:

Coyotl Tezcalipoca (714) 235-0801
Humberto Caspa (949) 929-7353
Rosalinda Ramirez (714) 458-8233