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. How will officers distinguish between those who are legal and illegal? 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 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)

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.