FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Speak Out Against Costa Mesa's Decision to Deputize Police Officers
COSTA MESA- On Tuesday, January 03, concerned citizens of Orange County, 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 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 "Hispanics" they believe to be undocumented.
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)
At 6pm, protesters will speak to the City Council regarding the proposal of Mayor Allan Mansoor demanding 1) The re-opening of the day labor site. 2). The withdrawl of the vote that will give power to certain police officers to enforce immigration law. 3) The recall of city council members who voted for closure of the day labor site and the proposal that will give power to police officers to enforce immigration laws.
Press contact: Coyotl Tezcalipoca, matlazinka@hotmail.com
Sources:
"Costa Mesa police will enforce immigration law." Overley, Jeff. Orange County Register. Dec. 7, 2005.
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