No More "Sanctuary City" Protection For Gangs!

Related Issues: Immigration Policy , Law Enforcement , Illegal Immigration

Tags: jamiels law , jamiel shaw , pedro espinoza , special order 40

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This Letter Targets: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa , Council Member Ed Reyes , Council Member Wendy Greuel , Council Member Dennis Zine , Council Member Tom LaBonge , Council Member Jack Weiss , Council Member Tony Cardenas , Council Member Richard Alarcon , Council Member Bernard Parks , Council Member Jan Perry , Council Member Herb Wesson , Council Member Bill Rosendahl , Council Member Greig Smith , Council Member Eric Garcetti , Council Member Jose Huizar , Council Member Janice Hahn

Sunday, 04/13/2008 @ 11:04 PM

To whom it may concern:

Neither Los Angeles nor any other American city should be a sanctuary for gangs.

Right now, L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa’s "sanctuary city" policy prevents our police from enforcing our immigration laws against any illegal aliens, including gang members, unless and until they are arrested for committing additional crimes, like murder.

This "sanctuary city" policy cost Jamiel Andre Shaw, II, his life.

Jamiel -- a young man with an exceptionally promising future -- was murdered by a known gang member who was in our country illegally.

Jamiel’s murder was preventable, and inexcusable. There is no legitimate reason to extend "sanctuary city" protection to gangs.

The Mayor could end "sanctuary city" protection for gang members with the stroke of a pen. But he refuses to do so.

We therefore need a law to require the Mayor and the Police Chief to investigate and arrest gang members here illegally before they get caught committing crimes, not just afterwards. That is what Jamiel’s Law would do.

Programs to deport gang members only after they commit violent crimes are not enough. For one thing, they are not working: Jamiel’s murderer had been released from jail after serving a sentence, rather than being handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More importantly, however, there is no reason to wait until after the gang members kill, rape, rob or commit other crimes before getting them out of our city and out of our country.

Our city -- and every other city in America -- should be a sanctuary for people like Jamiel and his family, not a sanctuary for gangs. I therefore emphatically support "Jamiel’s Law," a proposed City ordinance written by Walter Moore to deny "sanctuary city" protection to gang members.

We owe it to Jamiel and his family to pass this law. No family should ever again have to endure such a terrible loss -- a loss that was preventable.

Very Angered,

JDog

Total Comments: 133

Write your own comment on this letter!

	BennyBoy, on 04/14/2008 @ 12:01 AM wrote:
		Everyone needs to send this letter to the mayor of LA as well as the councilmembers. Something needs to be done about the illegals and starting with gang members is a great idea!!!

	epmsocal, on 04/15/2008 @ 08:55 AM wrote:
		I appreciate having this letter ready for mailing to pertinent individuals so that they may hear my views.

	sticktango, on 04/15/2008 @ 09:58 AM wrote:
		I'm not familiar with this particular situation, but it seems very similar to a situation that was portrayed in the HBO series "The Wire", in which drug dealers were given immunity to sell drugs in designated areas. In the series, this resulted in a decline in crime in other areas. The issue here is what is "allowed" in Sanctuary City. Obviously, this murder was not and those responsible were punished.

	Justa7, on 04/15/2008 @ 01:15 PM wrote:
		This needs to be enacted in every sanctuary city in the country.

	micklech, on 04/15/2008 @ 07:25 PM wrote:
		I agree completely that gang members should be gone after. But i don't think whether or not the are illegal should matter.

	funkedog, on 04/15/2008 @ 07:40 PM wrote:
		It is so sad that gangs are running rampant in some of the bigger cities in our nation. Hopefully letters like this one will help stop them.

	glublahh, on 04/16/2008 @ 05:20 AM wrote:
		That gangs are dangerous and that this law should pass is clear to me. I just hope that gang members is not seen as equivalent to illegal immigrants... not only is this simplifying but outright generalizing.

	JDog, on 04/16/2008 @ 10:04 AM wrote:
		Glublahh - We're not saying all gang members are illegal aliens. Far from it. We just want to be able to deport those that are.

	JM4Change, on 04/16/2008 @ 01:38 PM wrote:
		I am not completely familiar with LA sanctuary laws, but my understanding was that it meant that city law enforcement could not inquire into immigration status when someone is using a city service (like reporting a crime). Illegal immigrants should be forced to leave when caught, but need to be protected when reporting crimes. Otherwise, they will simply not report them.

	janesmith222, on 04/17/2008 @ 10:51 PM wrote:
		Wow, I had no idea such a clause even existed - this makes me sick! Gangs should never, ever get sanctuary!

	Joe17, on 04/18/2008 @ 12:13 AM wrote:
		Its sad that another family has being broken due to the violence in our streets. But to blame it on 'All' illigal imigrants, thats just wrong. LA is home to million of gang members and gess what they are not all illigal imigrants. So why not target all gang members? I know, because if you live in LA you probably know a gang member. He probably lives in your home. So lets blame someone olse right? Wrong LA. Lets target the reall problem, Gangs are our problem. As for the person guilty off this murder, give him the maximum punishment.

	sickoflahaven, on 04/18/2008 @ 12:41 AM wrote:
		Although this is indeed just another of many tragedies that continue to wreak havoc on the streets of L.A., God bless our ultra liberal media for bringing this to the forefront. Mr. Shaws parents won't grieve alone or in vein for the death of their son. Until there is more outrage and pressure put on our sad, sad elected officials(especially Villaraigosa),I suspect more Jamiel Shaws will continue to occur. We must take notice to what is really going on in city hall. We must make changes and act now! For if we don't, I fear it will never happen in Los Angeles. P.S. Councilman Zine, as your actual neighbor, I again beg of you to take the correct stance on this issue

	Joe17, on 04/18/2008 @ 10:03 AM wrote:
		It seams that a lot of people dont really know that we do have laws aguienst all criminals. Right now if someone comits any fellony, starting from shooplifting all the way to murder. Imigration initiates an investigation on that person and if is here illigally will get deported. Wich is fine with me. But to give police officers the power to investigate you on the street, every time you get pull over, thats just out of the question. How many citizens will sufer the result of this law. Are we willing to give our rights just to see a few illigals get caught? At the same time our fello american gangsters will keep on rulling our streets.

	FastLane8, on 04/18/2008 @ 10:32 AM wrote:
		Sheriff Joe Arpaio (our pie o) here in Maricopa County Arizona is "on the warpath", rounding up the illegals and arresting them for entering our country illegally before they commit crimes. His squad of 200 plus detectives is canvassing every neighborhood and detaining and incarcerating known gang members. His "tent city" has no comforts and more than 30% of the inmates are illegals awaiting hearings and deportation. He's doing a good job and protecting his constituents. Most certainly, Mayor Villaraigosa and his LA City Council should pay Sheriff Joe a visit to find out how to get the job done.

	JDog, on 04/18/2008 @ 11:08 AM wrote:
		Joe17 - First off, we are not blaming all illegal immigrants for the tragedy of Jamiel Shaw - ONLY THE GANG MEMBERS! Second, there are not "million of gang members" in Los Angeles. The total population is only roughly 4 million (your statement would mean one out of every four is in a gang). The estimate I was able to find put the number around 150,000 gang members. And contrary to your point, I've lived in LA for 16 years and I don't know a single gang member. The whole point of Jamiel's Law is that it TARGETS gang members, not illegal immigrants. Get your facts straight!

	msrobs, on 04/18/2008 @ 12:02 PM wrote:
		Pass this law, no mom or dad should have to go thru this.

	nateman10, on 04/18/2008 @ 10:03 PM wrote:
		Why would we not deport gang members? They are a trouble in our society and anything we can do to limit their numbers is great!

	pjamerican, on 04/19/2008 @ 11:08 AM wrote:
		All cities need to be held accountable for the lawlessness of the politicians. Arrest Mayor Villiaragosa, Gavin Newsom and any other that allows illegal aliens to roam this streets of this country. All City, County, State or Federal officials should be held accountable for allowing ILLEGAL ALIENS to break the laws.

	pjamerican, on 04/19/2008 @ 12:02 PM wrote:
		Every day Americans are harmed by Illegal Aliens. Politicians have prevented local law enforcement from doing their jobs for years. In a March 22, 2005 ruling Muehler v Mena, a unanimous Supreme Court said that asking about immigration status during a lawful police contact (or, by implication, any lawful contact) was as fundamental a question as asking for name, address and date of birth. The Court made clear that no predicate "independent reasonable cause' need exist to inquire into immigration status. It is the law of the Land! The Supreme Court held that "mere police questioning (regarding one's immigration status) does not constitute a seizure." Millions of LEGAL immigrants are allowed into this Country each year. There is no excuse to allow ANY illegal alien to remain in this Country. Even one death at the hands of illegal aliens is one to many.

	Joe17, on 04/19/2008 @ 02:01 PM wrote:
		JDog, Ok maybe i exaggerated on the number of gangmembers but they do look like millions since they are still all over LA and California. And I do know that not all of them are illigal in fact not even halfe. So my question is what's going to happen with the rest. The ones that are leading and teaching our jungsters, the ones that are american citizens? Laws need to be made aguienst all gangs not just part of them. This law will give police the power to use it any way they want not, just aguienst gangmembers. Im not going to put myself in a position were the results will afect me and my family. I dont see this as a way to eliminate or even slow dawn a problem that is cause by a much biger group than the ones you are blaming.

	kakinder, on 04/20/2008 @ 09:32 AM wrote:
		that illegal immigrants are granted a sort of immunity until they are associated with bad press just sounds like the government copping out and not wanting to get their hands dirty until they have to. i say they man up and stop applying a double standard because they're scared of people in their own city. i.e. they have no qualms about reporting and deporting the honest worker who came over the border purely to make a better life for himself and his family, but the gov't hesitates when there is an illegal immigrant who is involved with a gang and so is a potential threat to himself.

	msjbelle, on 04/20/2008 @ 12:36 PM wrote:
		How many more people have to die? Stop the madness. This is an outrage! Our officials need to step up & protect innocent Americans.

	mgill87, on 04/20/2008 @ 06:24 PM wrote:
		I'm for open immigration, and for making the current immigrants in this country legal. But this absolutely should not be extended to criminals. But the way you crack down has to be done carefully, because if the law scares immigrants crime will go up.

	japhy4529, on 04/20/2008 @ 08:21 PM wrote:
		Finding a solution to the illegal immigrant problem should be a top priority for this country. This is the first that I have heard of the "sanctuary city" policy and I am thoroughly disgusted by it. Enough cow towing to criminals!

	DeadGrrl, on 04/20/2008 @ 10:02 PM wrote:
		Anyone who lives or has lived in deepest parts the so called "sanctuary" know that immigration has nothing to do with why we have gangs. so what if some gang mambers can be traced back to illeagal immigration, that does not make all immigrants gang members or vice versa.

	BennyBoy, on 04/20/2008 @ 11:22 PM wrote:
		But DeadGrrl, is it such a bad thing to rid an area of gang members wether they are illegal or not? Your argument is saying just leave the gang members alone since there are so many of them.

	acastro, on 04/21/2008 @ 02:29 PM wrote:
		I am tired of our politicians protecting illegals here instead of American Citizens. Especially a gang member here illegally. Yes we also need to deal with ANY and ALL gang activity, but to have illegals here commiting crimes is crazy! These people do not need to be here in the first place!! It is just common sense. This law needs to be inacted.

	BennyBoy, on 04/21/2008 @ 04:40 PM wrote:
		Not to mention that illegals are already breaking the law by being here, hence the term illegal.

	Joe17, on 04/21/2008 @ 09:15 PM wrote:
		I cant help to notice that a few people are using this tragedy in order to promote their unhappyness with illigal residents of LA, And the rest of the country. But this is not going to solve the gang problem. Which is the main reason. People are willing to put their rights on the LA Police Department after all we have being trough in the last years, just so that a few illigals get kickout off the country. "Now thats funny". What makes people think that this law will only be addresss to gangmembers? Has anybody heard the LA PD word of mistaken identidy? I have and trust me is not funny. And it happens all the time. The police department cant even do their job, wich is To Protect And Serve. What makes people think that they can olso do imigration work. Lets leve each agency do their work, and maibe some day they'll get it right. Then will see whose next on getting blame for the countrys probles.

	DebDAiRob, on 04/21/2008 @ 09:47 PM wrote:
		Joe17 are you here legally. Did you go threw LAUSD school system. Jamiel is just another wake up call. Los Angeles is being taken over. Our school system our hospitals wether we want to admit it our not illegal immigration is hurting us in more ways than we can see on the surface. We can't protect our own we aren't educating our own and medical care is fast becoming out of reach for many. Wake up Los Angeles before we become New New Mexico!

	sickoflahaven, on 04/22/2008 @ 12:49 AM wrote:
		Dear DebD, let us please stay on point with our letters. Dissing someone elses spelling only calls for more of it. By the way "threw" is actually spelled...through. "wether" is spelled ..whether. And "our" is spelled ..or!

	MarianneR, on 04/22/2008 @ 04:29 PM wrote:
		I have been following this tragedy since the beginning. The city owes it to this family to pass Jamiel's law. Jamiel's mother was serving in Iraq making that place safe, while her son was slaughtered here in the streets of LA. Enough!

	DebDAiRob, on 04/22/2008 @ 04:49 PM wrote:
		Who is dissing who, and therefore not on point ! I hope my missed spelled words didn't take away from what I was trying to say. PS I am also a product of the LAUSD school system.

	DebDAiRob, on 04/22/2008 @ 05:01 PM wrote:
		Sorry Who is dissing Whom.

	JDog, on 04/22/2008 @ 06:00 PM wrote:
		Joe17 - What are we going to do with the other gang members? Well, I hope we all of them in jail too! Deporting the ILLEGAL gang members is a very simple, effective way to immediately impact the gang population. It's estimated that 10,000 gang members in Los Angeles are here illegally. We would be, in a sense, taking 10,000 gang members off the streets within the next couple years with the passage of Jamiel's Law. This is a no brainer people! We need to get this law passed. Click "Send This Letter Now!" and let the Mayor and City Council know we won't stand for this.

	Joe17, on 04/22/2008 @ 10:26 PM wrote:
		DebDAiRob, So you are blaming illigals for not knowing how to spell, problably for globall warming, and for the sociall secury thats coming to and end" Right"? Yes I AM AN American, Just cause I dont agree with you, makes me illigal. I do have rights, and all humans do, thats what i learn in the LAUSD. That this country stands and protects all people with equality. This reminds me of the 3 strikes law, people thought that this was a great law, that it would stop crime. And what happen? Yeah thats one of the reasons why California is going broke. We are paying for lifers that commited petty crimes. This will olso efect all of us ' not just illigals'!

	Joe17, on 04/22/2008 @ 10:40 PM wrote:
		JDog, Quoting your estimated numbers, 10,000 out off 150,000 does not make it the main problem, does it? Thats why this law will hurt the rest of all angelinos not just illigals.

	ryan, on 04/23/2008 @ 12:47 PM wrote:
		Joe17 - I would like to hear just how this law will hurt the people of Los Angeles. I think having the tool to remove numerous gang members from the streets would be a good thing. You need to read the bill first. It does not give the police the authority to question every person, whether asian, white, latino, on the streets as to their current status (although, I don't see a problem with that). This only allows them to target the gang members they know are here illegally and deport them. You see, in America the police have to catch you in the act or have some evidence to arrest a person. Even if they know someone is a gang member, they cannot just arrest them. This bill would allow them to arrest those gang members they know are here illegally. So how is this a problem.

	Brianetics, on 04/24/2008 @ 11:25 PM wrote:
		The concept of sanctuary cities is truly twisted to the core. to think that our cities are a haven to gangs and we are held hostage to these thugs is absurd and even more so that our elected officials allow it.

	sahminiowa, on 04/25/2008 @ 11:01 AM wrote:
		Jdog,Ryan,Deb i agree with all three of you and few others 150% of what you all said! I lived in LA county i knew some gang members i was not one as i am just a white gal lol who well few of them were good kids but that was back in the late 80s to early 90s.I am a 40 yr old mom now that has seen and been there done that more than anyone should ever go through..Joel 17 i take you are a young man with very strong opinions and that is great but what is happening is most of the illegals are in gangs sorry to say but they are..They come here already in a gang whether it be down in Mexico and transfered some here to the states..It is already here when the illegals get here..I've been through Compton Joel 17 have you ever? Reason i am bringing that up is that is the worst and most dangerous area for gangs

	sahminiowa, on 04/25/2008 @ 11:01 AM wrote:
		This is the second part of my reply . I was very good friends with the sheriff of Compton at the time and i was with him at the time when he took me to his mama's house.. I no longer live in LA as my husband of 15 yrs and my children all moved back home to the Midwest where i am from..I was born in the midwest moved when i was 12 to live in AZ so i know there is awesome sheriff in AZ who is on the war path to for the gangs who happen to be illegals. My point in all my babble is take a step back and look around first go out and talk to people on the streets of California in the hard areas or so if you can and find out what is really up and find out from some of them who have lived there all there lives and born in the states feel about illegals and the gangs they bring to CA. Just my opinion Kimberly

	Cangel, on 04/25/2008 @ 11:30 AM wrote:
		We owe it our family and community to stop this growth of ganges. Every citizen should be supporting this law

	wormbutt, on 04/25/2008 @ 09:11 PM wrote:
		I'm not familiar with this story, but to consider any part of the US a sanctuary for criminal activity is criminal in itself.

	qtkleee151, on 04/26/2008 @ 07:47 AM wrote:
		Very well written letter, I really hope this changes! Gangs should not be allowed to infest our cities.

	honeycakes, on 04/28/2008 @ 03:42 AM wrote:
		People who break the law don't deserve to use our country to better themselves. That's why they come here, right? Murdering and gangbanging is not self-betterment.

	canemah35, on 04/29/2008 @ 06:04 AM wrote:
		If the mayor and city council refuse to enable the people of Los Angeles to combat the gang problem, the people need to replace their elected officials, preferably in the most humiliating way possible.

	bird, on 04/29/2008 @ 02:09 PM wrote:
		i had never before heard of "sanctuary city" protection before, but i have looked into it further and i could not agree with you more.

	kararobinette, on 04/29/2008 @ 09:10 PM wrote:
		I am very saddened to hear of this situation. I agree with you completely; we should be protecting the innocent people who are injured by gang situations not the very people contributing to the violence!

	dab290, on 04/30/2008 @ 07:30 PM wrote:
		I don't see how subjects like this are even an issue. If you can benefit the greater good, why not immediately do it?

	griffy, on 05/01/2008 @ 09:10 PM wrote:
		I support it too. Gang violence tears apart too many families. I will mail this letter

	Lucretia722, on 05/02/2008 @ 12:22 AM wrote:
		Black people don't get to wait until they commit violent crimes to be harrassed by the police, why do aliens get a free ride?

	missna, on 05/02/2008 @ 09:25 AM wrote:
		I have always been outraged by our country's stance on immigration and gang violence. Much of the violence going on in L.a. right now is caused by racial tensions between blacks and illegal hispanic immigrants. If the city would just crack down on the immigrants like they do the blacks much of the violencce would cease. This letter along with the comments should be published all across the net.

	vanblargen, on 05/02/2008 @ 02:02 PM wrote:
		I wholeheartedly agree with your letter. It's about time that illegal immigrants (especially those who contribute nothing to the American societ) are held accountable for their actions

	Cammeel1, on 05/03/2008 @ 02:43 PM wrote:
		It is absolutely ridiculous that a promsing future is ended by thugs who refuse to abide by the laws of this country. Worse yet, we are not showing these gang members that we have had enough.

	fcabanski, on 05/03/2008 @ 05:44 PM wrote:
		It's a problem when our laws protect criminals from being caught and stopped.

	merlion, on 05/04/2008 @ 12:50 AM wrote:
		I believe as you, that illegal immigrants, especially ones known to be a risk in our communities, need to be apprehended.

	LTIELER, on 05/05/2008 @ 04:02 PM wrote:
		Los Angeles MUST keep this issue on the top of Mayor Villaraigosa’s to-do-list. Jamiel was just an innocent child walking home from school. It will happen again to another innocent person walking down the street. We have to stop waiting for our government to do the right thing - I urge you to please send this letter for the Shaw family... for your family.

	texpatriate, on 05/05/2008 @ 08:33 PM wrote:
		Our immigration program is a mess--it makes honest people jump through the most amazing hoops, while allowing lawbreakers to get huge numbers of advantages.

	Bracholi, on 05/06/2008 @ 08:12 AM wrote:
		We have our own criminals. We don't need imports.

	teachright, on 05/06/2008 @ 08:59 AM wrote:
		Special Order 40 is directly contrary to standing laws on immigration in the United States. Immigration is a federal issue, and according to the Constitution, state laws may not contradict federal laws. Special Order 40 must be revoked, and Los Angeles residents need to come together and take back their city. Let's not bury any more kids: whether they are white, black, Latino, Asian, or anything else under the sun. We need to come together and protect our citizens.

	Bees, on 05/06/2008 @ 12:06 PM wrote:
		I did not realize there was a clause like this. It clouds the issue when people tie together identifiers such as "gang member" and "illegal immigrant." As others have pointed out, the two are not necessarily linked. When are we going to see illegal migration to this country as a crime? Violating US entry policies should be enough to anger the legal citizens, whether immigrants or not.

	xatlasm, on 05/09/2008 @ 09:20 PM wrote:
		Gang members should be suspect to search and arrest anyway if they have been breaking the law, and should then be deported if found to be an illegal alien on top of that.

	lisatucker, on 05/11/2008 @ 06:54 AM wrote:
		well said....there is too much trouble in the world. I like the way you expressed this

	Trobs2002, on 05/11/2008 @ 08:34 AM wrote:
		Gang violence is no more the fault of the average illegal immigrant than it is your fault as an American.

	whema, on 05/11/2008 @ 07:10 PM wrote:
		At the rate things are going, immigration is going to be the cause of another Civil War. The idea of sanctuary cities are very divisive at best. When these communities declare themselves "sanctuary cities" they are really thumbing their noses to the way of government this country enjoys. Basic interpretation of this would be "yes we know there are laws that prohibit illegal immigration, but we will provide them a location in this country where their rights will be protected." WHAT RIGHTS? Rights in this country need to be for the people of this country, and not those who choose to come here illegally.

	sunday702, on 05/11/2008 @ 08:09 PM wrote:
		it should't matter where your from if you commit a crime you should be held accountable.I wanna mail this letter to my mayor

	jaminthebody, on 05/12/2008 @ 02:03 PM wrote:
		The Jamiel story is a real tragedy. The young man was taken way too soon. This young man had a bright future as a college football star, yet was killed by illegal gang members. You are right, with the right enforcement, this could have been prevented.

	lynemare, on 05/12/2008 @ 04:09 PM wrote:
		In this country, if someone commits any felony, starting from shoplifting all the way to murder, immigration initiates an investigation on that person and if is here illegally will get deported. This is fine with me.

	g_richards, on 05/12/2008 @ 05:13 PM wrote:
		How many of these unconscionable 'sancuary cities' for gangs are there?! This should not have anything to do with being legally or illegally in this country. Gangs cannot have a sanctuary in this country.

	sunny73, on 05/13/2008 @ 11:39 AM wrote:
		I agree that gangs need to be dealt with, and if they're here illegally, send them packing home. I feel, however, that not all gang members are going to be illegal aliens, so what do you suggest that we do with them? Send them to an already overcrowded prison? Perhaps we could find an uninhabited island somewhere and do like the English did with Australia so many years ago.

	wizdoom, on 05/13/2008 @ 03:18 PM wrote:
		What a nice place to be without gangs. But the problem here is not only with illegal immigrants but generally any gang member. hope the grievances are addressed.

	Jules1227, on 05/13/2008 @ 08:34 PM wrote:
		I was not aware of this situation - what is the mayor thinking? I wholeheartedly support what you are doing. Thank you.

	mountainmom, on 05/15/2008 @ 10:48 AM wrote:
		It is amazing what our Country does in situations like this. One family has to suffer because our law enforcement can't do anything about it? I thought that was what they were there for. It makes you have a little less respect for the mayor.

	luasback, on 05/17/2008 @ 08:16 PM wrote:
		I am pretty new to the country and gained my citizenship through legal means and all this "sanctuary city" stuff is confusing as hell to me. Why do you not get deported when you are in the country illegally? It makes no sense to me. As for this situation it would be a huge financial drain on the government to determine which illegal is in a gang and likely to commit a serious crime therefore they will never do it. Money before the people sadly.

	SWIFFJUSTICE, on 05/20/2008 @ 05:56 PM wrote:
		This guy is probably a ex banger and they will ride until the end for one another,of course their should be no sanctuary cities.

	Edaun24, on 05/20/2008 @ 08:37 PM wrote:
		I was completely unaware that a "sanctuary city" policy even existed! I find it crazy that someone thought this was a good idea! I think any person who is living in this country, legally or illegally, should have to abide by all US laws, and should be prosecuted if they are found violating those laws.

	keepitinn0vative, on 05/21/2008 @ 09:45 PM wrote:
		Wow, this is shocking! I'm glad to be informed of this, that I might enact change in my local jurisdiction.

	empressofanime, on 05/22/2008 @ 08:24 AM wrote:
		I think that simply gang affiliation should be considered criminal enough to waive any sort of sanctuary they would receive.

	pryncessamber78, on 05/23/2008 @ 07:29 AM wrote:
		anyone who promotes violence and dictates to other members should be gone after.gangs have contributed to the high numbers of drug related deaths. when is this going to stop.

	SUFFERERSO, on 05/27/2008 @ 10:31 AM wrote:
		Man,these gang members have some nerve have some nerve ,where was sanctuary for the numerous victims of there random crimes, sanctuary?I don't hardly think so.

	CommiePinkoLib, on 05/27/2008 @ 12:46 PM wrote:
		I'm sure this will fall on deaf ears with this crowd but, sigh here goes... People are asking why sanctuary city policies exist. There is a good, practical reason for it. A sanctuary city policy is actually intended to help police do their jobs better. In inner-city minority neighborhoods, no one wants to talk to the police to begin with, and even less if they are illegal immigrants. Preventing cops from making immigration arrests ensures that otherwise law-abiding illegals feel comfortable going to the police for help. All it says is that for beat cops, immigration status should be your last concern. First, find out who the murderers are. Make sense? It does to me... many cops love the sanctuary city policies in NY and other places.

	jlaney, on 05/28/2008 @ 01:30 PM wrote:
		How can any city think they can take on this problem alone? This is a national issue and not one that should be debated among unqualified city officials.

	n_baker, on 05/29/2008 @ 12:28 AM wrote:
		yes gang members commit crimes and bring drugs to our streets and children. something needs to be done about this in every city across the US.

	moonchyldfyre, on 05/29/2008 @ 06:12 AM wrote:
		I definately agree with this article. What the state of California is condoning definately is not acceptable. When is it going to come to a point where enough is enough. I mean that is like saying an illegal can commit a murder flee to another country and get off. It is insane!! If it would be you, me or joe shmoe it would be a whole different ball game. Why should laws be any different for illegals?!?!

	SAW5020, on 05/30/2008 @ 10:56 PM wrote:
		There are tons of crimes that have been commited here in AZ over the past year alone by known "illegal aliens". You are here by use of improper /unlawful methods you should not be getting preferential or turn the other cheek treatment.

	Joe17, on 05/31/2008 @ 04:51 PM wrote:
		We have being deporting gang members for about ten years, we all know about "Mara Salbatrucha". So what are we doing to prevent gangs from starting? Thats what we need to start doing more. We need to concentrate on owr kids and not on the ones that wount change. Gangs have being around for more than 50 years and people are barely noticing. Nobody care before, why now? because now we can blame it the illigals. thats just wrong. Gangs are not made by one race or one color. And all this shootings are not racially, like people make them, they are just gangs aguienst gangs fighting for territory were they can sell drugs to all who wants them. And who wants drugs? Most Americans, So untill we stop the drug users, noting olse matters. Keep on blaming who ever, but in many cases we are all part of the problem. Think about that!!!!!!!!

	citizenjane, on 06/08/2008 @ 03:55 PM wrote:
		Very well written. It seems many people have lost sight of the importance of accountability and consequences. citizenjane

	HoovaHard, on 06/16/2008 @ 01:00 AM wrote:
		it seems to me that you're conflating to important but different issues that may have to be solved in light of a little known piece of paper called... the constitution

	JDog, on 06/16/2008 @ 01:41 PM wrote:
		HoovaHard - Please tell me in what way deporting illegal alien gang members would be a violation of our Constiution.

	lovelymrw, on 06/17/2008 @ 07:10 AM wrote:
		Is it just me or are we becoming the protectors of crime instead of fighting. WHO RIGHTS MATTER!!! I think people get in office and forget that most of us out here in the world are fighting for our lives, and sometimes literally

	lollypopshoppe1, on 06/17/2008 @ 07:17 AM wrote:
		annihilate the damn losers. i am sick of not being safe in my own home.

	kmtchllx2, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:11 AM wrote:
		I agree with you 100%. But cops don't want to eliminate criminals or they would be out of work. Politicians keep crime so they can make "plans" to eliminate it. Untill people who really care about our saftey get into office, this is what we have to deal with.

	Nyx710, on 06/17/2008 @ 10:27 AM wrote:
		I had no idea there was a "sanctuary city" law in effect in LA. Our government is constantly contradicting itself. One moment Bush is preaching on how we need to protect our borders and the next we have a sad little mayor in California who just doesn't have the gaul to enforce the president's words or take preventative protective action against these suspected gang members - immigrants or not. Being a mayor of such a high crime area one would think Villaraigosa would be more in tune to the needs of the city. Clearly, he's asleep at the wheel. - Nyx710

	deaglemck, on 06/17/2008 @ 11:21 AM wrote:
		I think there are way too many drug dealers, and gangs. It's starting to become a problem. Your letter hopefully will shed some light on that.

	publishworm, on 06/17/2008 @ 01:33 PM wrote:
		The apppeasemnemt policy for criminals and dictators has been afailure from the beginning. Maybe our mayor missed that part of history- remember Hitler- whatever they "gave" him he just took more until we went in and took HIM.

	Kariinbliss, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:01 PM wrote:
		Absolutely! What about a "sanctuary city" for honest citizens who are here legally and want to live a life free of crime and violence? Where are our rights?

	gloriahusk, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:17 PM wrote:
		You brought up very valid point. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to add one more. I would rather live in a neighborhood surrounded by hard working non-english speaking immigrants than surrounded by criminal gang members!

	raryon65131, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:56 PM wrote:
		Gangs should NEVER be encouraged to exist ANYWHERE! How dare our country harbor these blood thirsty social pirates and encourage the carnage! VOTE BARAK!!!!

	calife, on 06/19/2008 @ 01:19 AM wrote:
		I feel illegal immigrants should be deported as soon as they are caught regardless of the crime. Why would we allow them to stay if they commiting any illegal activity. It is a crime to be here illegaly, that's why they are "illegal" immigrants. - calife

	fatimah, on 06/19/2008 @ 07:44 PM wrote:
		LA is home to million of gang members and gess what they are not all illigal imigrants. So why not target all gang members? I know, because if you live in LA you probably know a gang member. He probably lives in your home. So lets blame someone olse right? Wrong LA. Lets target the reall problem, Gangs are our problem. As for the person guilty off this murder, give him the maximum punishment.

	redhat7, on 06/22/2008 @ 12:40 PM wrote:
		I DONT LVE IN CALIFORNIA, BUT MAYBE YOU SHOULD ELECT SOMEONE ELSE!

	tehf00f, on 06/23/2008 @ 11:16 PM wrote:
		Protecting people who are illegal immigrants is not a bad thing. Yes, it is awful that there are gang members who are illegal immigrants. We should crack down harder on gangs, but that doesn't mean hunting down every illegal immigrant.

	machomichaels1, on 06/24/2008 @ 02:14 PM wrote:
		I recently saw a program on gangs and they talked about Jamiel and what had happened to him. That was the first time I had ever heard that, and I must say, I wanted to go start my own "gang" and go hunting for the guys that did that. If the Mayor dosen't want to address this situation, then I hope he is ousted during the next elections.

	naja215, on 06/28/2008 @ 08:10 AM wrote:
		We must take notice to what is really going on in city hall. We must make changes and act now! For if we don't, I fear it will never happen in Los Angeles. P.S. Councilman Zine, as your actual neighbor, I again beg of you to take the correct stance on this issue

	hyveemom40, on 07/05/2008 @ 10:59 AM wrote:
		I could not of said that any better JDog! I do not know why they have these to protect gang members at all! I lived in LA and knew many some good ones and some not so good.This statement about this protection of gangs and imigrants is like saying we should protect abusers as well! I think NOT ! Best to you all Hyveemom 40

	mystermyke1, on 07/06/2008 @ 12:08 AM wrote:
		Most gang members in any city sate are born natural citizens. there parents (latins) mostly not. i know that it is a fact that gangs in L.A. The Latins out number African- Americans 10 to 1 there has to be a connection to illegals and gangs. if you have a point i will read it thank you M.Mc.

	Joe17, on 07/06/2008 @ 12:54 AM wrote:
		Mystermyke, I will coment on your coment. So your saying that most gang members come from latin familys. Lets just say that for this part your probably right, but only in LA. because in any other city" Blacks "are the majority. So Why dont you want laws aguienst all gang members? Maybe cause you dont want laws that will efect you! Look Im Latino, and a ex-gang member. And I say lets make Laws aguiens ALL GANGS. I M olso an american citizen and i know who are the ones that really neeed to be reprehented, Why are we trying to blame the problems on imigrants? Is it because you now feel outnumber? We as Americans need to finally do something that will really stop gangs. Now that people are finally realizing the problem that gangs bring to owr strrets. Is about time that they care, but look what we are doing, we are blaming a more than 50 year problem, to the ones that just got here, and that are learning from us!...

	Joe17, on 07/06/2008 @ 10:57 PM wrote:
		I have being reading all the coments on this site, and have came to a conclusion, that most of you really dont care about what's hapening on owr streets of LA. You people dont care about gang violence. Moust of never have, the way you see it is "that as long as it doesn't hapen to you, Who cares". I see that to you is just political, you saw the word "Imigrants" and jump on the wagen. "Yeah lets get them". thats way this law went no were. We could had really done someting aguienst gangs with this sad insident, but no. Most of you are only looking out for your own issues and not one that we all have in comun. Let me just remind you people, "Gangs is one problem, and Imigration another. Dont get them confuce!!!!

	bienaimee2, on 07/29/2008 @ 06:56 AM wrote:
		I agree completely. Starting with gang members would be the best idea whether or nother they're illegal.

	krisxrtb, on 08/13/2008 @ 08:55 PM wrote:
		This situation can be compared to getting pulled over by the cops. You could have a dead body in your back seat but unless given an actual reason to pull you over, a cop can't do it.

	daddyfats61, on 08/19/2008 @ 12:49 PM wrote:
		EXCELLENT!

	PaperJane, on 08/22/2008 @ 03:48 PM wrote:
		Sanctuary cities should not be allowed. Illegal immigrants are criminals and should not be subject to any benefits or rights of United State citizens.

	jgome1ib, on 09/24/2008 @ 07:04 PM wrote:
		I agree 100% Sanctuary City status does not mean "sanctuary" for gang members. Most people, immigrants or native-born, would agree!

	Iamdemigod, on 10/23/2008 @ 06:46 AM wrote:
		Going after the gangs is a good way to start, But like someone else posted, it shouldnt matter if they are illegal or not.

	SykoNinja, on 10/28/2008 @ 11:03 PM wrote:
		I understand that people only come to America for a better life. But if you're going to come here and start trouble, then you DESERVE to be punished, and if you weren't even in this country legally you deserve to be punished.

	ninedosus, on 11/03/2008 @ 08:20 PM wrote:
		No kidding. I'm tired of hearing about this rehabilitation business. Imagine throwing them in with our mothers, sisters, and children. And all on our dime.

	thegrey, on 11/11/2008 @ 08:05 PM wrote:
		There should never be sanctuary for people who are here illegally. We need to secure our borders and send them home.Period!

	pattisw, on 11/22/2008 @ 08:15 AM wrote:
		I do not understand how it has come to be that an "illegal" person gets sanctuary any place in this country.We need to stop people from coming into this country illegally.

	lctigerz, on 12/05/2008 @ 07:41 PM wrote:
		Lets all send this. I would love to be a part of getting rid of gangs, because they are a HUGE problem in LA.

	fyrikaos, on 12/11/2008 @ 12:23 PM wrote:
		This is a sad sad story, and unfortunately it isn't a rare one. Regardless of if the gang member is here legally or illegally their motives are the same. To disregard the laws of the land to benefit themselves and to disregard any moral or ethic set forth by our community. Unfortunately the local governments do not have the funding to seek out all of these people... it is just not feasible to expect it from them. Do i think that something needs to be done - absolutely. Do i know what it is? No... if i did i wouldn't be a lowly stay at home mom... do i think that there was a screw up in this situation - most definitely.

	dmurph462, on 12/16/2008 @ 10:25 AM wrote:
		I feel that if you do the crime you should be punished justly, know matter US citizen or not. you come to america and take advantage of it's freedoms, you should adhere to it's laws also

	StefE84, on 12/29/2008 @ 01:08 PM wrote:
		I agree that no city should be a "sanctuary city" for gang members either illegal alien or not. But let's be realistic not only do gang members kill people regular citzens do to. And not all illegal immigrants are gang members.

	grandmafarris, on 12/29/2008 @ 05:50 PM wrote:
		What the heck is wrong with our country! We are expected to overlook so much crap and simply accept all of these things. Stand up against these ridiculous laws!

	obby787, on 01/02/2009 @ 08:08 PM wrote:
		there should be no such thing as a sanctuary city!!! If someone is illegal and we know it, ship their ass back to where they came from! my first car was totaled by an illegal and all he got was a slap on the wrist.

	kristiharsh, on 01/03/2009 @ 09:48 AM wrote:
		I don't understand at all why any city would provide sanctuary for gang members. That's absurd!

	gnarlymun, on 01/10/2009 @ 02:05 PM wrote:
		I was a victim of gang violence, my father was murdered by a very prominent gang in illinois, known as the DGs he grew up with the founder, who stills funds the gang behind bars. I think we should end gang sanctuaries in america as a whole

	Bigfattie_69, on 01/11/2009 @ 07:09 PM wrote:
		I thinks thats ridiculous; to wait until an illegal alien gang memeber commits a crime to be deported. We need to protect our own citzens,not worry about the rights of criminal illegal aliens.

	lost_angel12, on 02/18/2009 @ 08:47 AM wrote:
		if we let one city be run by gangs then they think the can run them all. i say arrest them all and throw them in a large jail and let them fight it out, they seem to like to fight anyway.

	vroom048, on 03/24/2009 @ 09:42 PM wrote:
		LA has got so many problems that it just cant handle the imigration problem alone.

	Hawa, on 03/25/2009 @ 11:42 AM wrote:
		yes i agree, i don't understand why we even bother jailing illegal immigrants and feeding them with our tax money. it costs approximately $30,000-40,000 yearly per prisoner...

	FreedomForMyPeople, on 04/05/2009 @ 12:35 AM wrote:
		Things like this anger me. Sitting around waiting for bad things to happen is inexcusable and rediculous. Not preventing crime is just as wrong as commiting crime

	johnrapp, on 04/10/2009 @ 05:54 PM wrote:
		Seems pretty bizarre and brings to mind the theory of enforcing the laws you have and changing the laws you dislike.

	califismexico, on 04/27/2009 @ 01:17 PM wrote:
		California IS Mexico. Illegal immigration is so out of control that CA citizens not longer have rights nor politicians with concerns on our behalf. Our elected officials have sold us out to LaRaza.