Feds arrest 64 in raids
Immigration officers on prowl for illegal immigrants living in the Lansing area
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A sign reading “Now hiring experienced servers” in the window of El Azteco serves as a quiet reminder of what happened at the East Lansing restaurant 10 days ago. Four people were arrested Oct. 19 at the restaurant, 225 Ann St., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Mike Gilhooly said.
The arrests, which were part of a National Fugitive Operations Program initiative, aimed to apprehend people illegally working in the U.S.
Sixty-four people in the Lansing area were arrested during the Oct. 17-20 initiative. Among those arrested, 40 were targets who had warrants out for their arrest, Gilhooly said.
Immigration officers arrested four people at El Azteco at about 11 a.m. Oct. 19. The officers were looking for three targets, and arrested another person who was identified as an illegal alien after attempting to flee, Gilhooly said.
One of the people arrested had worked at El Azteco for 18 years and another person had been there for 10 years, said the restaurant’s owner, Arturo Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz said the men, to his knowledge, were U.S. citizens, and he had helped the 18-year employee with immigration papers.
“They were model citizens. They paid their income taxes, they paid social security — one was even in the process of buying a home,” he said. “They were part of the economy.”
The four employees were initially handcuffed with zip ties, and told to sit against the trash bin behind the restaurant, said Steven Knapp, a waiter at El Azteco. The detainees were later chained together, he said.
“They treated them like dogs,” Santa Cruz said. “If I shackled an animal like that, I’d be in trouble. Something’s got to be done so this is done in a humane way.”
Josue Guillen works at El Azteco and arrived at the restaurant after the deportation arrests.
“It was really morbid,” Guillen said. “It was really slow; nobody wanted to do anything. People were really sad.”
He had worked for about six weeks in the kitchen with one of the employees who was arrested.
“He was the one who showed me what to do, and how to handle certain situations,” he said.
The El Azteco staff said there are a number of open shifts, and the atmosphere in the restaurant has changed since the arrests.
“It’s hard to replace them; it’s hard to fill their space — even with experienced people,” Knapp said.
Chicanos y Latinos Unidos, or CLU, an MSU Hispanic student organization, discussed the El Azteco arrests in its meetings, and its members are working to educate the MSU community about immigration issues, said Gabriela Alcazar, the group’s finance committee co-chair.
“It’s happening everywhere, it’s happening all the time,” she said.
“I don’t think people realize how much it affects our community every day.”
During the past year, 33,997 people were arrested nationally by ICE fugitive operations teams.
Gilhooly said the immigration arrests are not targeted at specific businesses, but at particular fugitives. The officers are given information about the fugitives from “basic police investigative techniques,” he said.
“Their mission is to seek out those individuals who have failed to follow the immigration order of a lawful judge,” Gilhooly said.
But members of the Hispanic community think ICE could adopt different methods of enforcement.
“We’re going to continue the fight to end it,” said Alcazar.
“It’s inhumane. It violates human rights.”
CLU is planning a fundraiser during the four days leading up to the Nov. 4 election. Volunteers will be fasting, and people can commit $5 to each participant, Alcazar said.
The money will go to cover legal and travel expenses for the East Lansing deportees’ families.
“If one person has to leave, you have a whole family that has to stay here without (financial) support, or they have to go back,” Alcazar said.
Family members of deportees are expected to pay for their travel home, even if the breadwinner is out of the country, she said.
CLU also will be hosting a community-wide meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Northstar Center, 106 Lathrop St., in Lansing.
“Everybody (in CLU) is ready to take whatever action is necessary, and also to support these families that are being torn apart,” Alcazar said.
Commentary
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el mexicano
(10/28/08 12:12am)Report
why in the hell would you arrest immigrants in Michigan? Let them work and try to improve Michigan’s falling economy. Why would you make the economy worse of this 3rd world state by arresting the few people who want to work and improve michigan..way to go, ohh great america. Digging your own grave.
Think!
(10/28/08 12:31am)Report
Let’s see here. Hmmm…arresting immigrants in Michigan so that we can give Michiganders the job. Figure it out. We have the highest unemployment rate in the country. We are letting illegals take jobs that Michiganders could get.
GOOD!!!
(10/28/08 1:20am)Report
I’m glad this happened. I interviewed there last year for a job. The person who interviewed me asked her first question in spanish and when I said I didn’t understand she thanked me for coming and said the position was filled.
ICE is RIGHT
(10/28/08 5:53am)Report
It is good to see our U.S. laws finally being enforced across America. Not only was ICE right in detaining the illegal aliens, but the owners of El Azteco should be arrested for violation of U.S. laws and hiring illegal aliens. It is hard to believe the owner did not know they were not legal, and if they followed proper documentation procedures, they should have discovered they were not legal residents. Sorry illegals and El Azteco owners — you were were breaking the law, and as a legal US citizen and tax payer, this is exactly what we need our government doing more of. Your workers are more than welcome to come back should the apply via the legal, proper channels.
Dan
(10/28/08 7:11am)Report
¿Los mexicanos illegales son víctimas? ¿Ellos desobedecieron la ley de nuestro país y que se quejan de que son maltratados?
Nick K.
(10/28/08 7:26am)Report
It shouldn’t be about citizenship… Remember, people other than citizens have the right to work in this country. People with green cards, work visas, etc. also have the full right to work in this country. I’m sick and tired of people just assuming that only people with US citizenship have the right to do anything.
For some people, getting citizenship is very, very hard. The US government has very strict quotas for some countries (mostly in Latin America) that prohibit good people from getting their citizenship. My mom has been applying for citizenship for well over 10 years, she’s been in this country with a permanent resident green card for over 35 years, and has been holding jobs, paying taxes, and raising us since then. But because the US government’s quota for Chile is only 1,500 a year, she waits on the list… and waits… and waits…
texas spartan
(10/28/08 7:33am)Report
If they wanted to arrest illegal aliens they should come down here and I can take them down the street to the 7/11 where 50 of them hang out everyday. They work for cash so no taxes get paid. Want some drug?, just go down to the 7/11 and you can pick up anything you want.
Zip tied together is inhumane? Try taking a knife wound or being shot. Police need to take precautions when arresting someone. Sorry, but if they have been here for 18 years and have not attained citizenship then I believe it is time for them to go.
El Azteco is the closest thing to decent Tex-Mex in Michigan but I can’t feel sorry for them losing the illegals.
MSUAlum2001
(10/28/08 7:54am)Report
The only question I have for those against what is happening to the illegals is this: What do you think happens in those countries (i.e. Mexico etc.) if you are caught illegally in their country? Do you really think you’re simply allowed to leave or get a free pass? Additionally, look at how Mexico treats immigrants from other Central American countries. It’s as bad as some totalitarian regimes. So again, why must the United States be completely different than what your own country does? Considering all we do is detain you until we deport you versus beating you and throwing you in prison for who knows how many years, I’d say you get much better treatment than if I tried to illegally enter and live in Latin America.
INCONVENIENT FACTS
(10/28/08 8:21am)Report
Dear Mr. Santa Cruz:
I have been a customer since your opening in the late 1970s and your nachos were only $3.99.
You have become very successful. Your businesses are probably worth more than $1,200,000.00. You probably pay a decent wage and take a decent profit for your work and risks.
A few inconvenient facts:
1. “Santa Cruz said the men, to his knowledge, were U.S.” legally.
I doubt that. Holland, Mich. is now 18% Latino, from 0.1% thirty years ago. Does anyone with common sense think that was done legally? Do not insult our intelligence — we are not Slick Barry dupes.
2. Have you ever heard of “rule of law?” That’s the cops, responding to a trouble call at your $1.2MM businesses.
What would happen if “rule of law” was made optional for Mexican restaurants? Think about it.
3. “ .. Something’s got to be done so this is done in a humane way.”
Sir, last month, I.C.E. publicly offered any ILLEGAL a free trip home. Most did not take it. That’s on them and their enablers.
4. ILLEGALS create HUGE, unknown downstream costs in Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. It is the next FANNIE/FREDDIE disaster, courtesy of PELOSI-REID-OBAMA-FRANK-DODD.
ILLEGALS should go home with their families, get in line, and get legal. Period.
MSUAlum2001
(10/28/08 8:42am)Report
Sad thing is, I know who Inconvenient Facts is and while I vehemently disagree with him (or her) on most things, I have to agree with him on his points here aside from the political jabs thrown in.
Pat
(10/28/08 8:57am)Report
Here’s my 2 cents on illegal immigration:
If you come here and work for the better part of two decades and contribute to our society in some way while getting away it, congrats, you beat the system and I wish you the best. BUT, if you get caught, you don’t really have any ground to stand on. It’s sad, and I hate to see it happen after a person (and possibly a family) has been here for 18 years. However, a law is a law and as an American citizen, I’m responsible if I break a law and I will be held accountable. So should they.
Pat
(10/28/08 9:00am)Report
Also, let’s not forget that 40 of these 64 had warrants out for their arrest. We don’t know what the warrants are for, but keep this in mind before you cry them a river.
I think what we all really want to know is: What does Jason van Dyke think of this?
Finally
(10/28/08 9:41am)Report
Nice to see the government enforcing the laws that are on the books. Now if it were only done more than once in a blue moon…
Chris H
(10/28/08 9:58am)Report
Dear INCONVENIENT FACTS,
You state “4. ILLEGALS create HUGE, unknown downstream costs in Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.”
How can you call the costs huge is they are unknown???
Chris H
(10/28/08 9:59am)Report
Sorry, should read “How can you call the costs huge if they are unknown???”
Delaware Bob
(10/28/08 9:59am)Report
It’s always good to hear about a raid to round up the ILLEGAL ALIENS. These ILLEGAL ALIENS are one of the worst things that ever happend to America!
With the Arizona State Illegal Immigration Law upheld in the courts last month, there is no excuse for any State not to have a State law to get rid of the ILLEGAL ALIENS.
I believe the American taxpayers are fed up with the suckling of these ILLEGAL ALIENS. Just sucking us dry from the BILLIONS upon BILLIONS sent out of this Country every year, not to mention the BILLIONS upon BILLIONS the ILLEGAL ALIENS and their ANCHORS suck up every year.
The problems they are causing WILL NOT go away until each and every ILLEGAL ALIEN is out of this Country and back in their own country where they belong. Then, and only then, will these problems go away. America has a lot of problems right now, and ILLEGAL ALIENS do not have to be one of them.
INCONVENIENT FACTS
(10/28/08 10:09am)Report
Sorry, should read “How can you call the costs huge if they are unknown???”
BECAUSE NO ONE IS SURE HOW MANY ILLEGAL ALIENS ARE IN THE USA!!!!!
Jeff B
(10/28/08 10:42am)Report
Actually Inconvenient Facts illegal immigrants that pay taxes cause a surplus to government programs such as social security because they pay those taxes, but never end collecting the benefits from those programs. So no illegals don’t have downstream costs in the programs you mentioned but actually benefit them.
Not that I support illegal immigrants though I just thought I’d straighten that up for you.
J. Edward Tremlett
(10/28/08 11:04am)Report
Having lived and worked in a few different countries, I don’t have any sympathy for people who are here illegally. If you want to live and work here, you get into line and wait your turn like everyone else. That’s just the way it works.
lol
(10/28/08 11:12am)Report
Think!, please don’t get started on that “they are taking our jobs” crap. They are taking the jobs because your Michiganders are lazy and don’t want to work. If it wasn’t for immigrants, this country wouldn’t even exist. Remember, your family was once a immigrant family too. People in MI don’t want to work and all they do is sit around on the couch collecting unemployment, go out and work if you don’t want immigrants take the jobs. Difference is, Americans in MI don’t want to work because they are lazy, immigrants come here to work and they work extremely hard. Who do you think the employer will favor? Hiring a person who doesn’t work and works exactly hours assigned and not a minute more, or a person will work for their money and can work all day and night.
alum'80
(10/28/08 11:15am)Report
El-Azteco was my favorite restaurant when I was there….
What you all seem to be missing is that us citizens do not want to do the kind of work that “illegals” do for us. The reason I went to MSU was to get a better job (I was a cook previously). Those of you who wrote comments are in MSU to not have to work in kitchens for minimal (or less) wage w/o benefits. These people serve a necessary function whether we like it or not. I think it is a disgrace that they are treated like criminals when they serve us so well.
Reality Check
(10/28/08 11:30am)Report
For all you inconvenient facts and Delaware bobs. Have you guys really forgotten where you came from. Your forefathers crossed an ocean, took over a country that wasn’t theirs, and killed thousands of Indians. You act like illegal immigrants are doing something that is horrible but guess what your forefathers did the same thing except they massacred thousands in the process. I’m not saying that I support it, cause I don’t, but don’t act like illegal immigrants are bad people just because they are here to work.
Reality Check
(10/28/08 11:30am)Report
For all you inconvenient facts and Delaware bobs. Have you guys really forgotten where you came from. Your forefathers crossed an ocean, took over a country that wasn’t theirs, and killed thousands of Indians. You act like illegal immigrants are doing something that is horrible but guess what your forefathers did the same thing except they massacred thousands in the process. I’m not saying that I support it, cause I don’t, but don’t act like illegal immigrants are bad people just because they are here to work.
Pito Rito
(10/28/08 11:48am)Report
Serves them right. I was physically accosted by the El Azteco Manager. He came running out of the restaurant chasing me and screaming. The food is gross, they’re inflexible and overpriced. The niche cult following just likes the margaritas and upper level deck. Hopefully the ‘legal’ workers will go back to Mexico with the illegals. Close El Azteco for good and open up a prime location in East Lansing.
2007grad
(10/28/08 11:59am)Report
Does anyone else find it concerning that so many people refer to illegal aliens as simply ILLEGALS? I think many people in our country forget that the founders of our country came here and simply took whatever land we wanted. And then during the industrial revolution our shores were flooded with immigrants who came here for a better opportunity, and to achieve the American Dream. Now look, I’m not saying that we just open the doors and let everyone in unchecked, or that the raids were even wrong (at least for those who had arrest warrants issued) but we need to remember our roots, and not think we are all high and mighty. And most of all these are people, not ILLEGALS.