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Follow-up To "Amber Alert Opens Can Of Illegal Worms"
by
thegunnerscorner (Mike Minton)
Well, it took a little
while--and many phone calls and emails--but I finally got the skinny on what is
happening with the parties involved in the
“Amber Alert…” story which I wrote. After making contact with several
organizations, and after being given several incorrect phone numbers by DHS
employees, I was finally put in touch with the man who was not only able, but
also WILLING, to answer my questions.
In that story, I noted that there were at least two, and possibly three separate
‘sub-stories’ which needed to be followed up on.
The first was that, in reporting their daughter missing, the Quijano family had
to admit that they had been living, and working, illegally in Kentucky for the
past five years. Obviously, as mandated by FEDERAL LAW, the family MUST be
deported back to their native Mexico.
The second ‘sub-story’ was the immigration status of Mr. Perez, with whom the
girl had left. And the third was an investigation into the hiring practices of
Southern Kentucky Hardwood Flooring, who had employed the parents, who were
illegal, for at least part of their 5 year stay.
As you may recall, an Amber Alert was issued out of Tompkinsville, KY, on April
20 for 16 year old Janeet Quijano, who was allegedly abducted by five Hispanic
males while waiting for her school bus. The next day, the girl--thank God--was
found unharmed in Vernon, Texas. It seems she willingly left with another
Illegal Immigrant, 25 year old Salvador Morales-Perez, who is a Mexican citizen.
Mr. Perez has now migrated his way to a County jail in Kentucky, where he is
facing State charges of Custodial Interference. The Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement has also placed what is called an immigration detainer
on Mr. Perez, meaning that once he has faced the charge(s) against him, and
served whatever sentence results, he will be turned over to ICE--hopefully for
deportation. I will follow up to make sure.
As regards the Quijano family, and the consequences of their living here
illegally, it was explained to me by Mr. Temple Black, a Public Information
Officer for ICE, that witnesses to a crime will not be considered for
deportation until after the resolution of the case in which they are involved…I
shall follow up on that as it unfolds as well.
Finally, concerning the company which had hired the illegal aliens, Southern
Kentucky Hardwood Flooring, thanks to an anonymous tip which came from a
concerned citizen, I was told that, “Current ICE policy will be followed
regarding investigations of employment of aliens unauthorized to accept
employment in the United States. The lead remains under investigation at this
time.” I have been assured that I will be kept abreast as developments in that
case are made available. I will pass that on as I get more information.
Mr. Black, the Public Information Officer with whom I have been communicating,
really has been a stand-up guy. He has shot straight with me, and has not
tried to give me the least bit of run-around or ambiguity which so often occurs
when trying to get answers from the DHS/BICE. I want to thank him for being
such a man.
Below, I have included some of our communications, so you can see for yourselves
what a straight-shooter Mr. Black is, as well as seeing first-hand the
information I was given.
Email #1from Public Information Officer Temple Black, from the New Orleans
office of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland
Security:
“Mr. Minton--Here are the answers to your questions. I hope this e-mail gets
through.
Immigration &Customs Enforcement involvement consisted of assisting the FBI and
local law enforcement authorities to locate and verify the safety of a 16 year
old girl who went missing (possible abduction) while waiting for the morning
school bus. Local Law enforcement, the FBI and ICE focused on locating and
assuring the girl's well being. The successful conclusion in locating the child
without harm says a great deal about the dedication and professionalism of the
law enforcement community.
As to question #1:
As a result of successfully locating the child unharmed, one arrest has been
made. Salvador Morales-Perez (25 year old man involved) is facing charges by
state law enforcement for custodial interference and is currently in custody. An
Immigration detainer has been filed against this subject at the county jail
where he is being held. ICE supports state and local prosecutorial efforts and
does not act unilaterally to remove potential witnesses that would support the
finding of fact of persons charged under state offenses. ICE will not intrude,
and will allow the local legal process to take its course. Based on the facts
and merits of the case after it's adjudicated, ICE will take action as
appropriate.
As to question #2
Current ICE policy will be followed regarding investigations of employment of
aliens unauthorized to accept employment in the United States. The lead remains
under investigation at this time.”
Email #2:
“Michael--Regarding your question about the family, ICE is not targeting the
family at this time. Hope this helps!”
Subject: Re:
Author: The Gunner’s Corner
Date: 5/9/2005 7:47 AM
Email from me to Mr. Black
Temple:
I appreciate very much you following up on this for me. Is the family not being
considered for deportation because they are witnesses to the criminal actions of
Mr. Perez, or is it that the powers-that-be just don't want to abide by the oath
to which they have sworn?
That may sound like a mean way to say it, and I am not trying to be obnoxious,
but you know what I mean.
God Bless,
Michael A. Minton
The Gunner in The Gunner's Corner
http://thegunnerscorner.myblogsite.com
or
http://mensnewsdaily.com/blog/minton/
Email #3 (reply to my email):
“Michael--I believe it's the fact that they may be called as witnesses in the
case. I'll continue to follow and let you know if I learn of any new
developments.
Glad to know you got my e-mail.”
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