The open-borders blame game

By Michelle Malkin  •  June 23, 2008 03:27 PM

Gee, where have I heard this story line before? Via ProJo.com:

A spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement says that the Providence Police Department dropped the ball last year when it twice arrested a man, now suspected of rape, for other crimes and failed to check on his status as an illegal immigrant who had been ordered deported.

The Providence police counter that they passed the information about the arrests of Marco Riz, 26, of Providence, to the local ICE office, but the federal agency didn’t bother taking any action to have him sent back to Guatemala.

“This is an attempt to find blame,” said Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman. “This department is not interested in finding blame. We are interested in fighting crime.”

A story that gets repeated over and over again as a result of the nation’s comprehensive unwillingness to enforce immigration and deportation laws across the board, clearly, consistently, and unapologetically:

The status of Riz’s immigration slipped past the Providence police, state court system and ICE. The Providence police speculate that Riz may have fallen through the cracks because ICE no longer has an immigration officer assigned to District Court. He retired about a year ago.

On June 8, the police allege that Riz kidnapped a 30-year-old woman as she sat in the passenger seat of an idling SUV in the parking lot of a Stop & Shop supermarket on Quaker Lane in Warwick. Riz is accused of robbing the woman, driving her to Roger Williams Park and raping her there. A few days later, a task force of Providence, Warwick, ICE, state police and federal marshals captured Riz on Linwood Avenue. He has been charged with kidnapping, carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife, first-degree robbery and first-degree sexual assault. He has been ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

Michael Gilhooly, spokesman for ICE, said that the Providence police should have used the agency’s NLTS telecommunications system to check on Riz’s immigration status. He said that the police would have learned that a federal immigration court, in 2003, had ordered Riz to leave the United States.

Asked why immigration authorities did not move to deport Riz five years ago, Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

Let’s see Obama and McCain “debate” this at The Race convention, shall we?

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  1. #357665
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm, ThackerAgency said:

    Yeah, I don’t want to place blame either. . . it would be nice if laws were enforced and blame wasn’t necessary.

  2. #357670
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:36 pm, Traditionalist said:

    he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.”

    Perhaps I should “illegally” break into a bank, “illegally” blow up the door to the vault, “illegally” steal the money, “illegally” speed away, then declare to a judge that I’m not a “criminal”. Nice logic.

    Speaking of “open borders”, I’m curious when the liberal wackos in Berkeley will be consistent and believe in opening their own “borders” to our military recruiters who keep them safe while allowing them the freedom to complain about it?

  3. #357672
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    The blame game is a critical part of the left/right’s strategy of misdirecting the public. The fact is that the elite on both sides (which probably is the same side) want the borders to be open, as destroying this country’s sovereignty is paramount to their agenda.

    I’m absolutely serious when I say that everyone should be ready to trade in their dollars for newly minted Ameros. I’m sure a gallon of gas will cost only 3 Ameros.

  4. #357679
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm, 24Klady said:

    Since these incidences appear to be seriel in denial by various law enforcement agencies, in that a child or women is assaulted and raped and the police depts. beg off by not wanting to accept blame – how about those victims sueing the city/county/state for failure to perform their sworn duty? Sorry, dismissal from their jobs or actual firing is not good enough when it appears it’s an established policy.

  5. #357680
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm, Rob said:

    What long-lived successful nations have refused to solve problems, and how long did they last?

    America could put some sharpshooters on the border and stop the problem immediately, but we won’t.

    How long will America last? What are the Vegas odds? Although, I suppose that when America crashes and burns the chances of getting paid out of Vegas are slim….

  6. #357685
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm, Southpaw said:

    It won’t be long before the Mexican mafia is a bigger security threat to the United States than alQueda. Illegals kill more Americans daily than muslims.
    When latino gang members start killing blacks in South Chicago, like they are in L.A., will Obama and McCain chainge their views about illegal immigrants?
    Don’t count on it. Why? Modern politicians are incapable of paradigm shifts or independent thought.

  7. #357688
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm, WarTip said:

    We can deport people all we want to. History has shown that many of these people actually claim illegal status as Mexican citizens so that they are deported to Mexico. Once there, they simply walk back across the border. Until we actually do something to secure the borders, crimes and statistics will increase and illegals will continue crossing the border with impunity and expecting nothing more than to be rewarded for their illegal behavior.

    Blame? We don’t need no stinking blame. We need a border we can patrol and enforce.

  8. #357689
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm, Barry F. said:

    Let’s see Obama and McCain “debate” this at The Race convention, shall we?

    Don’t hold your breath waiting for anything substantive out of either of them on illegal immigration. McCain can defer to Juan Hernandez and Obama can defer to Patti Solis Doyle. :roll:

  9. #357691
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm, Craig said:

    <…Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

    As Thomas Crapper is infamously tied to the word Crap- when someone utters something PROFOUNDLY STUPID….from now on…they’ve uttered a GILHOOLY.

  10. #357692
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm, abstractmind said:

    Asked why immigration authorities did not move to deport Riz five years ago, Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

    So we’re going to let someone we know doesnt belong here in the first place BACK onto the streets…because we cant prove someone who is here ILLEGALLY is a CRIMINAL? Why does this sound like something out of the twilight zone?

    Welcome to America, Amigo.

  11. #357693
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm, WarTip said:

    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    I have to agree on you about the left and the right being the same party anymore. They are both controlled by big-dollar investors who get their money from common sources. (With the possible exception of certain politicians being financed by Chinese interests)

    As for the SPP? I am afraid you are right there as well though I keep hoping something will come along to show me I am wrong.

  12. #357694
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Riz did something illegal but…not illegal enough for our paid servants of the fed to do anything UNTIL Riz did somethiong REALLY illegal LIKE…RAPE and grand theft auto THENNNNN he’s deemed to have done REALLY ILLEGAL so now our paid servants (ICE and et.al) are going to DOOOOOO something!!!

    Make Sense???????????

  13. #357697
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    ..did something R…..THENNNNNN he’s deemed to have done something REALLY illegal so…..

  14. #357700
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.”

    Gilhooly, sorry, you’re not up to working for ICE. I am keeping my personal comments about you off this blog..

  15. #357708
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm, 24Klady said:

    I was so stinking mad about another failure on the part of our sworn protectors looking the other way, I just noticed “seriel” from my #4 should be “serial” :)

    As a female, I’m tired of getting into my car and immediately hitting the lock button. I’m tired of putting my cell phone in one pocket and my keys in another before exiting my car – just in case someone grabs my purse. That, of course, has nothing to do with the illegal alien problem. Criminals come in every color and ethnic group, but the removal of 10-20 million illegal aliens would sure cut down the odds of assault or worse.

  16. #357709
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm, sambo said:

    AlohaGuy said:
    Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.”

    I thought a criminal was someone that does something illegal.

  17. #357714
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm, supersean said:

    I think to ensure that illegal immigration is halted tough no nonsense laws need to be passed that require the following:

    1. Prompt deportation of anyone in the country illegally for more than 180 days 2. Forfeiture of all property and valuables gained during an illegal stay in the United States
    3. Fine of $100,000 for each illegal alien employed by a company
    4. Anyone arrested for any charge anywhere in the United States must provide proof of citizenship or legal residence prior to their release on bail/bond
    5. All bank accounts, home loans and credit cards must be issued to those who can provide proof of citizenship or legal residence. Fine of $50,000 for each account opened to an illegal alien
    6. Offer a “Crimebusters” reward of $5000 to anyone who turns in or whistleblows on an illegal alien using a falsified papers or stolen identity

    If we take this tough action, we can increase the numbers for legal immigration that our great nation is founded upon

  18. #357717
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm, abstractmind said:

    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm, supersean said:

    sometimes you and I disagree, but this time you nailed it on the head. excellent post.

  19. #357742
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm, americangrunthog said:

    http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2008/06/23/20080623abrk-drophouse.html

    36 found in drop house in Mesa Arizona. This news is so small that it went into the local community news folder with the traffic accidents.

    I could puke.

  20. #357745
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm, shooter said:

    “This department is not interested in finding blame. We are interested in fighting crime.”

    Would someone PLEASE DEFINE CRIME to these fools!

    ICE no longer has an immigration officer assigned to District Court. He retired about a year ago.

    Soooo, we do nothing to replace him? What were they waiting for, an illegal to apply for the job?

    He said that the police would have learned that a federal immigration court, in 2003, had ordered Riz to leave the United States.

    what? The ‘criminal’ didn’t leave? SHOCKA!

    Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

    Again, this is dumber than dumb, just read it.
    Keystone cops, the silent movie it might have been, IF there were no victims.

    WOMEN ARE BEING TORTURED, RAPED, HARMED FOR LIFE .
    STOP THIS MADNESS.

    DEPORT THEM ALL, NOW!!

    ENFORCE THE LAWS, THEY WILL LEAVE!

  21. #357746
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm, Traditionalist said:

    Aren’t these the same open-borders zealots that castigate Israel for the settlements into Palestinian territory?

    The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.

  22. #357748
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    I thought a criminal was someone that does something illegal.

    Me too, but this guy at ICE hasn’t a clue.

  23. #357750
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    As a female, I’m tired of getting into my car and immediately hitting the lock button.

    24, Rock your Glock…

  24. #357758
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm, GJCorby said:

    Illegal immigrants: committing the carjackings and rapes that Americans wont commit.

  25. #357760
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm, Yankee Oppressor said:

    Same old same old….rape, murder, and manslaughter. More citizens die at the hands of illegal immigrants in this country than die in Iraq and Afghanistan.
    Go figure.

  26. #357762
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm, traveler49 said:

    I would be more than willing to pay .10 more for a head of lettuce to ensure these rapes quit happening.

    How about all you drug users? Would you be willing to shoot up or smoke a little less often so we can protect ourselves from these repeat illegal criminals?

    I never thought I’d have to qualify illegal with being a criminal.

  27. #357764
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm, 24Klady said:

    AlohaGuy – #23, I will as soon as I qualify for that little needed permit called CC ;)

  28. #357804
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm, flenser said:

    Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.”

    And this Gilhooly clown works for ICE. That’s the heart breaker.

  29. #357820
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm, brooklyn red said:

    ICE is running out to be a great example to support the case of privatization… Imagine if we took their budget & outsourced to, oh I don’t know, maybe Blackwater???

    just a thought.

  30. #357824
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm, John Ansell said:

    The longer they play the blame game, the longer this happens. Pull all federal funding from California until they drop their sanctuary stance. Its time.

  31. #357836
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm, a crapweasel said:

    On June 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm, Craig said:

    <…Gilhooly said that he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

    As Thomas Crapper is infamously tied to the word Crap- when someone utters something PROFOUNDLY STUPID….from now on…they’ve uttered a GILHOOLY.

    I think it should be used this way. If a person is harmed by an illegal alien that should have been deported then they have been GILHOOLYED.

  32. #357855
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm, arnold ziffel said:

    If someone is an attorney on this blog maybe they can help me w/a question. Our city (located central valley CA.) has often been sued for things they allegedly could have or should have done—-eg. road hazards, improper oversight, police misconduct, etc. Most of the cases that I am aware of were absolute BS.

    How then when illegals are repeatedly caught and they are still here and commit more serious crimes, is a city esp. a proud sanctuary city, not liable for actions commited by a criminal who the city is aware of? The recent case in L.A. comes to mind where an illegal gang banger was let out of jail and the next day shot and killed an innocent HS. student whose mother was serving in Iraq.

    The statement by agent not too smart Gilhooly should live in infamy. His idiotic comment should really scare someone who thinks govt. will protect them. Oh I forgot—they will protect you from those who smoke, don’t wear their seat belts, cycle helmets, use c-phones while driving,etc.

  33. #357890
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm, NHMagenta said:

    From the Providence Journal story linked to above – a suggestion to help police deal with criminal aliens who have been deported or ordered to leave the USA.

    Add the ICE deportee database to the National Criminal Identification Center (NCIC) database which is commonly queried by police to determine if an arrestee has outstanding warrants.

    Every little bit helps.

  34. #357899
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 8:08 pm, twiggman said:

    And next year he will be arested for murder…

  35. #357906
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm, starlightwoman said:

    he was in this country illegally, but there was no evidence that he was a “criminal.” As a result, he was released from custody.

    I agree – there is a problem here or is it just me that thought being in the country illegally is a crime?????

  36. #357913
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm, love2rumba said:

    Let’s see Obama and McCain “debate” this at The Race convention, shall we?

    That should make for interesting conversation, now wouldn’t it?

  37. #357935
    On June 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm, secondsight said:

    Guatemala, eh? How about free medical care for three years, plus a $250,000 suit brought by illegal’s family against the providing hospital:

    http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=3082

  38. #358037
    On June 24th, 2008 at 1:14 am, Speakup said:

    Michael Gilhooly, spokesman for ICE, said that the Providence police should have used the agency’s NLTS telecommunications system to check on Riz’s immigration status. He said that the police would have learned that a federal immigration court, in 2003, had ordered Riz to leave the United States.

    Can the Providence police deport a person who has previously been ordered to leave the country by a Judge?

  39. #358070
    On June 24th, 2008 at 4:26 am, Truesoldier said:

    I am just waiting for the SCOTUS to decide that illegal aliens are not illegal aliens (or at least give the power to federal courts to decide this).

  40. #358089
    On June 24th, 2008 at 6:50 am, WarTip said:

    On June 24th, 2008 at 4:26 am, Truesoldier said:

    I am just waiting for the SCOTUS to decide that illegal aliens are not illegal aliens (or at least give the power to federal courts to decide this).

    I think their latest ruling indicated that if they (illegal aliens would seem to fit if illegal enemy combatants did) were in an area under “American Authority” than they were eligible for protection as given by our Bill of Rights and our Constitution.

  41. #358200
    On June 24th, 2008 at 10:17 am, swmbo said:

    Note to self, buy a new dictionary. The one we have is obsolete.

    According to my Webster’s New World Dictionary of The American Language

    illegal: adj Prohibited by law; against the law

    ‘Nuff said?

  42. #358777
    On June 24th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, Mostly Annoyed said:

    Maybe we should build a fence around Berkley and start sending all these shining examples of illegal immigration to the Berkley Immigrant Free Zone. Let them deal with them without the help of the rest of the country and our tax dollars. We certainly don’t need anything from them.

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