David

Virgo

Hot Boater
   
Desert Cities / Colorado River
Posts: 406
APPD 0.06
Post Rank: 67
Advantage Citation
|
 |
Posted: Nov. 02 2007,8:04 am |
Post # 1 |
 |
Just 24 hours old, Oklahoma's new immigration law is already taking some heat. Some even claim Tulsa has seen its first arrest. But, the sheriff's office denies it ever happened. At the annual Day of the Dead celebration downtown, there is Hispanic music, Hispanic food and Hispanic culture. But, this year, there were very few Hispanics themselves.
"A lot are afraid to come downtown anyway," says Francisco Trevino with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "But, with 1804 it's cause for them not to show up."
House Bill 1804 took effect at midnight and it's already having an impact. Both legal and illegal immigrants say they are now afraid of law enforcement. And, their own leaders may be stirring the pot.
"Mr. Sheriff of Tulsa County, Mr. Chief of Police, you are guilty of ethnic cleansing this community," said Reverend Miguel Rivera.
But, there's more. Hispanics at an afternoon rally were being told not to call police and not to call the sheriff, but instead call the FBI when crime happens.
Tulsa County Undersheriff Brian Edwards is quick to respond.
"First of all, the FBI has limited jurisdiction. They investigate federal crime," he says. "The whole rhetoric, 'be afraid of police, don't go to the sheriff' that disturbs me. If you need police call the police. If you need the sheriff call the sheriff."
Edwards maintains only undocumented people who are breaking the law should worry about being taken in.
Meanwhile, back at the festival, implications of House Bill 1804 continue.
"A vendor couldn't come tonight," Trevino says. "The organizer told me because he had five workers not show up so he couldn't come tonight."
There is still yet another challenge against Oklahoma's new immigration law. It should be heard in federal court next week. You can't go forward looking back!
|