Buonomo: I stand by sanctuary city vote

By George P. Hassett

The former alderman who submitted the resolution making Somerville a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants in 1987 said this week he stands by his vote that allowed immigrants with questionable documentation status to access city services.

Former Ward 4 Alderman and current Register of Probate John Buonomo said the resolution made it clear to city employees that they did not have to inquire about documentation status before offering help to city residents. According to records on the city’s Web site, Buonomo submitted the sanctuary city resolution at the April 23, 1987 Board of Aldermen meeting.

  The measure was signed into law by then-Mayor Eugene C. Brune and declared that the city’s “2,000 to 4,000 illegal immigrants were entitled to some of the basic rights and privileges as regular city residents.” The resolution was passed 9 to 2 and supported by future United States congressman, and former Ward 5 alderman, Michael E. Capuano. It was originally granted a two-year period of application and was extended indefinitely in 1989.

Sometime during the 1990s, Buonomo said, the ordinance was repealed and replaced with the Safe City Resolution which asserted the same basic principles. People had begun to believe a sanctuary city meant illegal immigrants were immune to federal laws, he said, and that was an incorrect perception —- the resolution was meant to encourage safety and trust in local officials among immigrant populations.

“It was not our job to do the work of [Immigration and Naturalization Services],” he said. “Is it a teacher’s job to turn in a child she thinks may not have the appropriate immigration documents? Is it a police officer’s job to turn in someone who went to him for help?”

Buonomo said an INS official spoke at a public hearing on the issue when aldermen first took it up and told them it would make federal authorities jobs more difficult.

In the 1980s a wave of Central American immigrants came to Somerville, escaping unstable and violent military regimes in their homelands. Alderman-at-Large John M. Connolly was alderman for Ward 6 at the time and said he voted in favor of the resolution because of public safety concerns. He said newcomers from El Salvador and Nicaragua were afraid to call the police and fire departments for help because of deportation fears.

“People were saying there’s a sign down in Haiti telling people to go to Somerville, they will take care of you there. But that is not what it was about. It was a safety issue,” he said.

The city’s immigration policy was thrust into the national spotlight last month when Republican presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani responded to criticism from rival Mitt Romney who said New York City was “at the top of the list” of sanctuary cities. Giuliani said Romney’s criticism was hypocritical because Romney had done nothing as governor of Massachusetts to address the sanctuary city status of Cambridge, Somerville and Orleans.

Buonomo, who calls himself a “proud Democrat” said the term sanctuary city has been abused and misinterpreted.

“There is a perception that sanctuary city means people can do whatever they want and be immune from the law. That is not what it says, if people are violating the law they will be arrested. But if they are living within the law, they are not going to be hassled by city officials when they need help,” he said. 

Comments

[nobody]

Being an illegal immigrant, getting free city services without paying taxes, that is not within the law. People who do this should be hassled. Illegal immigrants bring a bad seed to our city and in the long term, welcoming there here does way more harm that occassionally getting them to be informants because they don't fear deportation does.

[Buonomo is a dunce]

Anybody that listens to this political moron needs to have their head examined. He's laughing at you taxpayers everday of the week when he cashes his check from all the "hard work" he performes as the Register of Probate. What ass did he kiss to find the backing to get voted into this lifetime job?

People wake up and don't put a check mark on the ballot each time this political fool comes up for re-election!

[Election]

Obviously, I'm against illegal immigrants getting free services, IF they pay no taxes. IF they pay taxes, that is another story.

[somebody]

I agree with Election. Also, I should point out that MANY illegal immigrants do pay taxes, including social security. So they are not getting free services. They are getting paid services. They are also paying for services that they will never get, and that is a fact that most people don't realize.

[nobody]

They broke the law, they jumped to the front of the line ahead of LEGAL immigrants, and they are highly correlated with being bad seeds or otherwise a drag on society. If they want to be here, they should have come legally and they should expect zero sympathy for anything that happens to them by trespassing in another country. If there are some that are better people than others that doesn't change that all of them broke the law and that our policy should not be to provide amnesty. If you say to people, from their first entry to this country, that its OK to ignore our laws, they will continue to think its OK.

[Ron Newman]

If they are homeowners, or are paying rent (and not in default on their rent payments), they are not "trespassing".

[Typical Answer]

So Mr Buonomo, How is life in Newton? Not much crime or immigrants for that matter over there huh? You couldnt get out of Somerville fast enough you jerk off midget. You helped ruin this city then you bailed.

We wont forget. It's the legal citizens who do the voting in this country. Every politician should remember that.

[Hey Ron]

Ron,
Anytime someone is someplace that they know they have no legal right to be, i.e. illegal aliens in this country (homeowners or not) then they are trespassers.

[Working Class Joe from Winter Hill]

Anyone who supports these ideas are treasonist. I applaud the city clerks in NY for standing up against these politicians who have turned their backs on the working class people of this country. I wish we had some government workers here who care enough at the working class people (mostly blacks) who are losing jobs to the people who by LAW should not be here. Like I said again, these politicians are treasonists, they are saying our laws mean nothing, the people losing jobs are nothing, our national security means nothing. Repeat after me, TREASONISTssssss

[Border Patrol]

March 2004




March 2004

IN THIS ISSUE

Fusion of talents and cultures spells mission success for CBP

Commissioner's Message for CBP Today March

Presidential praise for the National Targeting Center

- Border Patrol brings proud tradition of service to its first year at CBP

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer

Smart Borders: Securing our nation's borders

An eventful year for Agriculture Specialists

Extending the nation's zone of security

OTHER
CBP NEWS

CBP's 4-legged frontline

Rules for improving cargo security

One-Year Anniversary 2003 - 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About
CBP Today

And this is in 2003....I wonder what it is like now! SEND THEM BACK NOW....BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!


Border Patrol brings proud tradition of service to its first year at CBP

By Carlton Jones, Public Affairs Specialist, Border Patrol and Linda Kane, Public Affairs officer, Office of Public Affairs

Since its inception in 1924, the Border Patrol has been guarding the integrity of our country's borders against the entry of illegal immigrants. In its earliest days agents patrolled the southern border looking for workers being imported illegally into the country. On March 1, 2003, the Border Patrol became a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Today the Border Patrol's primary mission has changed from preventing illegal immigration to preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States.

Anti-terrorism is the priority, but the Border Patrol is still tasked with keeping out illegal immigrants and with the interdiction of drugs and other contraband. This is no small task: from March 2003 until January 2004 there were more than 700,000 illegal immigrants apprehended and more than one million pounds of marijuana and cocaine seized. Using technology and diplomacy to accomplish its means, the Border Patrol is forging a new legacy in the CBP.

Because of the volume of illegal immigrant traffic across the Mexican border, Border Patrol efforts in the past were more concentrated along the southern border. But terrorism knows no borders; it seeks only opportunity, so strengthening our northern borders became strategically important. In July 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner directed that additional Border Patrol agents be deployed to the northern border. As a result, more than 340 Border Patrol agents were assigned to various strategic locations along the northern border. By the end of December 2003, the total number of agents permanently assigned to the U.S.-Canadian border was more than 1,000 agents.

"Homeland security is our top priority," said CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. "The Border Patrol is an essential part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and provides security against intrusions between our nation's official crossing points. This was an important step (increase of BP agents) to enhance security along our northern border and is necessary given the continuing threat of terrorism."

Technology has also played a part in northern border security. In April, 90 additional remote video-surveillance camera systems were added to the 235 already installed along the northern border. This camera technology allows CBP to read license plates on cars two miles away and to detect and track human movement up to three miles away. The cameras work hand in hand with sensors buried in the ground. This system is part of the Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS) which allows agents to detect intruders along both northern and southern borders. The Border Patrol also deployed additional aircraft to provide air coverage across the entire northern border.

Southern border initiatives
The southern border presents unique challenges. Economic opportunities, legal or not, entice many people to risk crossing a land border that contains both forbidding and remote terrain. Patrolling the borders of such terrain means that agents are presented with difficult humanitarian issues-keeping illegal immigrants from crossing the border, but saving the lives of those who are in jeopardy because of their attempts to cross.

On June 3, 2003 CBP Commissioner Bonner, joined by Dr. Javier Moctezuma Barragan, Mexican Under Secretary of Population, Migration, and Religious Affairs, voiced their support and commitment to Operation Desert Safeguard. This bilateral campaign was unveiled following one of the deadliest cases of human smuggling in recent history. In May 2003, nineteen illegal immigrants died inside an airtight tractor-trailer when the driver abandoned the vehicle at a Victoria, Tex. truck stop. Efforts in support of Operation Desert Safeguard included detailing agents from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and specially trained agents from the Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team (BORSTAR).

New equipment, technology, and training were also employed in support of the operation. A total of 20 search and rescue beacons were placed in high-risk areas. An activated beacon alerts the CBP Border Patrol communication center, which dispatches an aircraft and search and rescue personnel to the site to provide emergency aid. The beacons showed almost immediate results. In the Tucson sector, hours after activating a beacon, three men suffering from dehydration were rescued.

Both countries broadcast public service announcements warning migrants of the danger and consequences of illegal crossings. In addition, the Border Patrol trained more than 1,000 Mexican fire and law enforcement personnel in search and rescue techniques.

In coordination with the Office of Field Operations, the Border Patrol is now using non-intrusive inspection technology such as mobile x-ray and gamma-imaging equipment, commonly used at ports of entry, at Border Patrol checkpoints. The technology produces images of the contents of commercial trucks, and tractor-trailers, revealing contraband such as drugs, weapons, currency, and in some cases, people. The value of this cooperative effort was evident Nov. 13, 2003, when Border Patrol agents working at the Falfurrias, Tex., checkpoint intercepted 748 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $23 million. Working together, CBP Officers and Border Patrol agents utilized a Border Patrol canine and x-ray technology to search arriving containers. The contraband was hidden in a truckload of heavy machinery as it attempted to pass through the checkpoint.

Enhancing working relationships
The Border Patrol sought to enhance operations not just at the borders but also in reinforced partnerships with the Native American law enforcement community. During October 2003, the Border patrol hosted a Native American Border Security Conference to expand support for their national security mission.

The theme of the conference was "All Americans Protecting America," and was attended by law enforcement representatives from 21 tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Cooperation from these tribes is crucial for border security since 24 Indian reservations have land adjacent to our international borders with Canada or Mexico. Several cooperative initiatives resulted from the conference, including task forces that will work together and share information and training.

Technology boosts security
Combating terrorists brings the potential for new dangers to the Border Patrol? The threat of nuclear or radiological infiltration. In response the Border Patrol has distributed personal radiation detectors to Border Patrol Agents working at 33 permanent checkpoints along the southern border; to Border Patrol Agents working at the mobile checkpoints along the northern border; and to numerous Border Patrol Agents involved in marine operations.

The personal radiation devices alert an agent to the presence of radiological material. Based on this alert, Border Patrol Agents implement additional procedures to determine the nature of the radiological materials, including the use of a radiation isotope identifier device (RIID). Once the material is identified, information is electronically transmitted to CBP's Laboratories and Scientific Services for confirmation. Next steps could include isolation of the material and notification of radiological material emergency reaction teams. The Laboratories and Scientific Services provide scientific and forensic support to all CBP offices.

On land, water, or in the air, north and south, the Border Patrol is working to maintain the integrity of our country's borders against old and new threats. As a member of the CBP team, the Border Patrol brings their proud heritage and unique talents to the task of protecting the U.S. against any incursion which would compromise the safety and security of our country.

[RI Leads the Way!]

In announcing arrests, top RI cop declares “This is not a sanctuary state”

With the arrest of two Division of Motor Vehicles license clerks in a fraudulent document scheme, Rhode Island State Police Colonel Brendan Doherty pleased many Rhode Islanders when he insisted “This is not a sanctuary state.” One talk-show host read Doherty’s statement over the sound of Handel's “Hallelujah Chorus.”

State and federal law enforcement agencies worked together to bust the fraud scheme. Two registry employees, working with a middle man, would arrange to issue fraudulent driver's licenses to drug dealers, illegal immigrants and other people with criminal records.

Once a person had the phony license, they could use it to obtain other forms of identification, even passports. Law enforcement said the scheme may include people who came here from other states just to get the phony licenses.

"This is not a sanctuary state for people coming into Rhode Island for nefarious reasons and to obtain illegal identification in furtherance of the criminal conspiracies that they're involved in," Doherty said.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 32 people. So far, 11 have been apprehended. State police said the investigation is ongoing and that the DMV cooperated in the investigation.
10/9/2007

[Credit where credit is due]

Say what you will about John Buonomo - good for him for standing up himself on a well-thought out vote that he took quite some time ago. From someone who never supported John, I say Bravo & Good Job

[Identity Theft]

Question: Exactly how does an illegal immigrant pay taxes? Only way I can think of is through a social security number.....which can only be obtained by a legal resident. Can you say 'identity theft'??

[Kate]

"They broke the law, they jumped to the front of the line ahead of LEGAL immigrants,"......

The people that enter illegally are the ones that have no possibility of ever getting anywhere near the line.

"If they want to be here, they should have come legally"

The people that enter illegally are the ones that have zero chance of being granted a visa.
Among the requirements for receiving a visa are that you show a reason that you are not planning to overstay your visa, e.g., that you own your own home, that you currently have a job, that you have children to return to, etc. Age plays a large part in it, also.

"Question: Exactly how does an illegal immigrant pay taxes? Only way I can think of is through a social security number.....which can only be obtained by a legal resident. Can you say 'identity theft'??"

Yes, you would think so, but that's not it, necessarily. People just make up a number and type it on a fake, blank SS card. If their employer doesn't verify the number (which in most cases they don't, in the painting, restuarant and cleaning industries) the taxes are deducted just like they are for you and me; however, most of the workers never 'file', so the government pockets the money, as well they should. 10-20 years ago

[Imux]

Kate,
The people that enter illegally are the ones that have no possibility of ever getting anywhere near the line....

Then guess what? If they have no reason to legally come then they should stay where they are. END OF STORY.

Employers who hire illegals now face tougher penalties if they don't verify. So where will all these illegals work? Under the table. No taxes.

I'm happy that you married some guy so that he could become a citizen. That makes him legal here - good for him. I just hope when he gets his green card he doesn't beat feet on you. I've kind of grown fond of your silly rantings.

[Kate]

Imux - I am in no way excusing those actions. I'm simply stating what I know are the facts.

"Then guess what? If they have no reason to legally come then they should stay where they are. END OF STORY."

What??? You're not making sense. They HAVE a reason - the reason they come is to work. You get yourself all worked up into a frenzy that you're not comprehending or responding correctly to what I've written.

"So where will all these illegals work? Under the table. No taxes."

Then, get off your duff and join a group in favor of enforcement of the existing laws against the U.S. businesses involved in this practice. These U.S. business don't give a damn that they contribute to the influx of illegals. Don't you see, it's our own fellow U.S. citizens that are thumbing their nose at our laws and at those of us who wan't them enforced. No, jobs, no welfare, no free healthcare = No reason to come to the U.S.

"I just hope when he gets his green card he doesn't beat feet on you. I've kind of grown fond of your silly rantings."

Again, what??? Another one of your nonsensical comments. What would my husband leaving have to do with my participation in this blog? And take about silly rantings, you do very well, yourself, but unlike you, I don't suffer fools well.

FYI, my husband was already a U.S. citizen, by the time I met him.

[Imux]

Kate,

They HAVE a reason - the reason they come is to work.

IF they come here legally to work (on a work VISA) then I'm all for it. If they come here and overstay a visit or slipm through a fence and then take jobs from hard working Americans, depress real wages and depend on social services (our tax $$$s) then I am not for it.

Then, get off your duff and join a group in favor of enforcement of the existing laws against the U.S. businesses involved in this practice...

I have. In addition if I suspect anyone I know or see is here illegally I call ICE. I have no problem doing so and have dropped a dime on a dozen people already (some were here legally, but hey better safe than sorry). My wish is that everyone in Somerville would do the same and we would clean this place up.

What would my husband leaving have to do with my participation in this blog...
Just assumed that a foreigner was the only guy you could get, so his leaving would depress you enough that we'd hear about you swinging from a light fixture.

FYI, my husband was already a U.S. citizen, by the time I met him.
Sure. Wink. Wink.

[somebody]

Imux,

"IF they come here legally to work (on a work VISA) then I'm all for it. If they come here and overstay a visit or slipm through a fence and then take jobs from hard working Americans, depress real wages and depend on social services (our tax $$$s) then I am not for it."

I understand your frustration, and agree with you at some level, but if you think about your argument, it doesn't exactly make sense. If they come here legally on a work visa, they can still take jobs from hard working Americans, depress real wages, and depend on social services. In fact, that happens now in the high-tech industry with people coming from India on a temporary work visa. They work for lower wages and do jobs that many Americans can fill. Some argue that these people are coming to fill a niche that we don't have skilled labor to do, but that just isn't true. Before being laid off, American workers are often "forced" by their employer to train a temporary foreign worker that will replace them.

Are you ok with this scenario just because these people are legal? I'm not. I don't have a solution, but the system is definitely broken. I just have a problem with people always pointing at the illegal immigrants as the problem. They are a SYMPTOM of the problem.

[Buonomo's word is no good!]

Buonomo is a typical politician. His word is no good. He tells people what they want to hear. All he cares about is his campaign chest. He could care less about anybody but himself. He flip flops depending on what the polls indicate. He is far from genuine in anything he says. People that know the little guy, know what I'm talking about.

[Hey]

Johnny boy go back to the sun does not one of your "GOOD FRIENDS" own a real nice condo down there?

[Kate]

Imux - when you assume, you make an ass of you and, well, you.

[The Patriot]

Of the twenty something number of people who originally sponsored the "sanctuary city" resolution, only three are still in somerville and one of the three has recanted. Hmmm.

[Imux]

Of the twenty something number of people who originally sponsored the "sanctuary city" resolution, only three are still in somerville and one of the three has recanted. Hmmm.

Posted by: The Patriot | October 18, 2007 at 02:03 AM

Patriot, exactly. But we're all stuck with the mess these imbeciles left behind when they voted for that sanctuary city BS. The way to get around this is to report the illegal POS to ICE (federal). Somerville politicians have been kissing ass to the progressives for too long. Time to bring the pendelum back a bit. These clowns have allowed this city to become a moonbat and illegal alien haven!