National Coalition of Latino Clergy
& Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC)

Press Release
For Immediate Attention
Contact: Rev. Miguel Rivera
(202) 615-7444

Location: 425 I Street NW
Immigration Customs Enforcement Headquarters
Washington, DC
July 30, 2008

Rev. Miguel Rivera Statement for the PRESS on behalf of the Latino Evangelical Church in America / CONLAMIC

Good afternoon,
Dear Members of the Press!

Today and after a month have passed after a meeting that took place at this same place, with Assistant Secretary Julie Myers and high official of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) where, members of Latino Evangelical Pastors and Members of our National Board of Directors presented a gruesome reality of, what is truly happening at many of our communities, where the 287-G federal guidelines are being implemented, we gather again in Prayer and Profound Concern, knowing that, the Juana Villegas sad story, is another reason for us, to appeal once again, asking for help on behalf of human rights and in the best interest of justice and law enforcement, around the Nation.

Our main concern presented at such meeting, was that:

"287-G guidelines that empowers local police and sheriff's deputies are either to vague or not sufficiently explained during such officer's training, in order for them, to proceed with a professional behavior while exercising their roles and duties of federal law enforcement agents, related to immigration status of an undocumented immigrant in the Country"

While as members of the Clergy, we are very confident by the professional conduct that is demonstrated by "true" Federal Agents that belong to ICE, while enforcing the current law, this is not our same confidence that we as Pastors and Faith leaders of our communities, feel toward those local Police Officers and Sheriff's Deputies, that are being identified by their actions, as not prepared to provide the best assistance needed by ICE Agents to enforce immigration laws in our communities.

Police Officer Timothy Coleman from the Berry Hill, Nashville TN and the Sheriff in charge of the Davidson County Jail are record examples of the charges that we have brought to the ICE authorities attention.

-Juana Villegas, a nine month pregnant woman, deserved a better treatment and prudent discretion by Police Officer Coleman, who instead of issuing a ticket for driving without a permit, arrested her for such misdemeanor, for only one reason, "to hold her while an immigration background check could confirm she was an undocumented immigrant in the Country.

Officer Coleman, did not took into consideration that, at any time soon, Ms. Villegas could be in labor and that, being incarcerated was not in the best interest for her well being, the life of the unborn child and the reputation of his Police Department in Nashville, TN, which has been flooded for months since the 287-G guidelines have been enforced, with dozens of calls and cries from members of the community, regarding Racial Profiling and Discriminatory Acts against "latinos" and other ethnic minorities in the Nashville area.

-Juana Villegas was not supposed to be a victim of such cruelty as being handcuff and leg chained during her maternity labor, as described by the NY Times, only being free on one leg at the last minute before, her baby was born.

-Juana Villegas, was not such a violent criminal or a menace to the Nashville community, to be even neglected from breast feed her baby or use a pump to discharge her breats, as is medically advised after pregnancy which helped her to develop an infection in her breasts.

We commend the highly professional members of ICE in the Tennessee region, that once Ms. Villegas was finished with the local Court system on driving without a permit charges, they let her go home, to take care of her children while waiting for an Immigration Court date, to determine if she will stay or be deported.

The same stories come to our attention from, Tulsa Oklahoma, Irving Texas, Dalton Georgia and Prince William County in Virginia, where such agreement is in place and where Police Officers and Sheriff's Deputies serving as ICE surrogates and deputies, are displaying the same "lack of discretion, racial profiling and aggressive policing, mainly against the latino community".

While we continue to support ICE Agents enforcement of the law against human trafficing, deportation of violent criminals and upholding the rule of law against employers who exploit undocumented laborers.

WE ALSO REQUEST, once again that, the 287-G Federal Guidelines and Procedures, are in need of review and a more intense supervision of those local law enforcement agents empowered by such authority, warrants action from Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement leaders.

We are also requesting that, while such review of procedures take place, that a MORATORIUM be imposed around the 57 local enforcement departments that are as of today, empowered by such 287-G federal guidelines, which will help expedite an investigations of these charges and many more incidents like the Ms. Villegas horrible experience, and appropriate actions of correction be put in place.

We are also concern at this time, that the public opinion and compassionate hearts of the american people, will once again help us put pressure, where the pressure is needed, in CONGRESS.

Senate and House of Representatives are in need and moral standing, to address this immigration crisis and provide Comprehensive Immigration Reform, that will assure that while securing our borders and ports, a path to legalization be put in place, to provide an opportunity to those who are undocumented at present and have demonstrated to be decent neighbors in our communities, hard working parents and strong family values examples, to achieve their goals to become "Americans".

Without any doubt, with a better understanding and prudent strong actions by members of Congress and Law Enforcement agencies, such Immigration Reform can be accomplished and America once again will be known by many, as the "land of the free".

May the LORD Bless America!

Rev. Miguel Rivera, President
National Coalition of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC)
www.conlamic.org
(202) 615-7444