Tactics questioned in immigrant raids

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Tactics - 2008-07-16 11:24:07

Use of local police in immigration enforcement endangers all of us in the community because it diminishes trust. If people fear the police, or suspect that they will be targeted because of their ethnicity, they may be unwilling to report crimes or unsafe situations, to be a witness, to cooperate with police investigations.

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Jean Gaes - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad

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History Repeats - 2008-07-13 11:51:51

Well I am of the stripe that wants to have the businessman looked at as well. There is an article in today's Capital that mentions that his paperwork should have been audited rather than have a raid. Anyways, history is repeating itself as it always does. In the past other immigrants have been hated when they came to this country. The Irish, the Slavs, the Italians, they all went through some stuff when they came to this country. The nativists always railed against them. Eventually the immigrants assimilated into this country, became citizens and went on with their lives in this country. Of course we didn't have the massive government structure we have now back then (and I am talking about the time prior to the New Deal). There was no welfare system as we know it today. But also back then there were no signs written in what ever language the latest wave of immigration spoke...they learned English. I think a lot of the anger stems from the lack (or very slow) assimilation of the imnmigrants nowadays and the abuse of our system. JMO.

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J. Jovkovich - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Nick H - 2008-07-12 21:02:26

I think most people would agree with you. But until then, illegal aliens should be treated like thieves. They are stealing the public services that we, the tax payer, pay for.

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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I agree - 2008-07-12 10:59:25

"Further, I find it telling that neither the news nor the majority of the comments posted here reflect any interest in the owner of Annapolis Painting and whether there will be any consequences whatsoever for this successful, white, male businessman.
Sarah B. - Annapolis, MD"

Sarah I personally commented in agreement to you but the Moderator deleted my post!

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Paul Flanagan - Shady Side, MD - Karma: Bad

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Harsh tactics - 2008-07-11 20:29:43

Thank you, Gerry M. You summarize my feelings. This story was about the tactics used in this case, not the law itself---another debate altogether. I doubt anyone stopped for speeding would expect to be treated like a violent criminal. Generally, I'm dismayed by the intense hatred and disgust so many seem to have for these people, whatever your views on immigration policy. Further, I find it telling that neither the news nor the majority of the comments posted here reflect any interest in the owner of Annapolis Painting and whether there will be any consequences whatsoever for this successful, white, male businessman.

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Sarah B. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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why doesnt this happen? - 2008-07-11 16:42:26

I agree with most of the posts here. Illegal is Illegal. I get angry when I see my tax dollars getting spend on non citizens of the U.S. This issues realy stems from the government and its laws. I have no problem with just making all of the illegals in the U.S. legal, giving them their documentations and making them pay taxes. Im sure they will see a difference in their paychecks when they get taxed something like 40%. They are only a drain on our society because they dont pay for public services, but they do work hard and fill in the wholes jobs nobody else wants to done. Does anybody agree that we should kick everybody out of public housing in annapolis, legalize these immigrants and put them in the housing, as long as they pay taxes and work. It would be better than the lazy crime ridden public housing we have know.

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Nick H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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stolen ss - 2008-07-11 09:12:30

Gerry M.....stolen social security numbers, when did that become OK??

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Mike L.'s comment - 2008-07-11 07:59:10

The law is interpreted every day by millions of people that work in Federal, State, and Local government. If you ever pause to actually read the Law, you will find a great deal of gray area that requires sound interpretation and not a literal approach.

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John F. - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Bad

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Gerry M- Arnold - 2008-07-11 07:08:06

Gerry, very well put... I wish more people would open their eyes and realize that illegal immigrants are not parasites to our society. They are often hard working people just trying to provide for their families the same way I would if I were in their shoes.

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Post DELETED - 2008-07-10 19:26:55

The Capitol has once again deleted my post. I used NO innapropriate language nor did I attack or challenge anyone. I guess the word 'Liberal' is no longer allowed. I'll bet that Chris K. works for the Capitol or has some pull with the Maryland Democrat Party. When SHE attacks me her posts stay up although other folks DO complain. So much for balanced reporting. If a media outlet (Not that this paper is ACTUALLY a REAL media outlet) can be swayed by politics then the First Amendment is dead.

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Paul Flanagan - Shady Side, MD - Karma: Bad

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Illegal is Illegal - 2008-07-10 17:27:07

Here is what bothers me the most when I see you guys use this argument. I drive to work and I would say over 95% of the people are driving over the speed limit. The last time I heard, this is illegal. I guess it would be okay with you guys if we were all treated like hardened criminals. After all, the law is the law. Once we break one, then we have no right to be treated as humans and must be treated as the worst of criminals.

How many other laws can you think of that most people have broken during their lifetimes? I can think of a bunch. So, it seems like the height of hypocrisy for many of you to stand here and talk about "illegal is illegal". I wonder how many of you can say you have never broken any laws during your lifetime?

For those that think all illegal immigrants don't pay any taxes, you are wrong. If an illegal immigrant uses a false social security number, what do you think happens? Do any of you guys get a pay check? Have you noticed that a certain amount is withheld from your paycheck to pay for medicare, social security etc? That goes under your social security number. So, if an illegal immigrant uses a stolen s.s number then part of their paycheck will be paying medicare etc. under someone elses name. Immigrants also pay sales taxes whenever they buy something. Trying to portray illegal immigrants as parasites that contribute nothing to society is misleading. Anybody who works is a contributor in my book.

I have always felt that immigrants (both legal and illegal) provide a net benefit to our society and is the main reason why our country has been vibrant and done so well over its history.

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Gerry M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Those are the rules... - 2008-07-10 16:09:24

Here we go -- someone drags religion into it... The facts are the facts -- if you are here illegally, you are breaking the law. It's black and white. No different than my getting into a car drunk, my smoking weed, whatever -- it's against the law to do those things and they are illegal. If caught, I will pay the consequences. The law is not written based on interpretation or circumstance. How bad I feel for all of those who have tough living situations -- weather American or otherwise. Illegals are a drain on the system -- period. And I'm tired of paying for it as are others or there wouldn't be this heated debate. I have no issues helping those who are here LEGALLY... Nina in FL -- sorry to hear your plight but those are the rules -- those are the rules for living and doing business in the country. No different than if I wanted to go and live in another country and set up a business. I would have to follow the rules and if not, I'm free to leave -- same thing here. Don't like the rules, I'm sure they'll let you leave... And the fact that you employ American citizens -- good for you as those are the rules. I'm baffled at how something so black and white quickly turns into a light shade of gray...

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Mike L - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Immigration - 2008-07-10 15:35:39

Lisa T,

It is impossible to immigrate to this country legally without a relative/employer to sponsor you. You give the impression that all people have to do is pay the fees and fill in the forms. NOT SO.

You must have married a U.S. citizen, invested a lot of money (over 1/2 million $s) or have a much-needed skill (like nursing).

The above don't apply to most people, so they look for other avenues, like coming here illegally.

Legal immigration should be made easier and America should stop enabling illegals by providing welfare etc. They'll leave if they can't get any benefits.

I am here legally after investing in a small business and I employ eight U.S. citizens, but I have no path to permanent residence (green card). My teenage children have to leave when they reach twenty one and I have to leave if I breach any of my visa conditions.

If there's another way to immigrate legally, I'd love to hear about it so my children will not have to leave the country they love, and we can all stop having to renew our visas and leaving the country every two years to update our paperwork.

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Nina Mold - Naples, FL - Karma: Bad

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Immigration - 2008-07-10 14:40:31

How about the people who come to this Country legally - pay for the immigration process, wait patiently for the legal documents to come, then work! There is not one person worrying about us...but I managed - 3 kids in tow. And now have a very good job, purchased a home legally and live with an active green card! Do it right, then there isn't any issues.

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LISA T. - MANCHESTER, MD - Karma: Bad

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Such Hatred! - 2008-07-10 14:36:33

Until you have walked a mile in someone else's shoes....don't judge them...

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged!
and Let He Who is Without Sin Cast the First Stone

It amazes me, we live in a world filled with SO MUCH hostility, so little compassion, a morally corrupt government and then judge those that are just trying to survive because in our "perfect" little American world they are "illegal" and beneath us and "send them all back to where they came from"? Wow....sad...There is a whole huge story here that has yet to unfold...think before you judge anyone involved.

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Vicki S. - Stevensville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Tactics - 2008-07-10 13:35:59

I guess the raid on ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS should have gone something like this:
An ice cream truck quietly pulls up in front of the suspect's abode.
A gentle tap on the front door, so as to not disturb the chirp of the roosted Sparrow. When the door is answered by the smiling ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, this person is presented with a $7,000.00 check. This is provided by the US taxpayer. A form is also presented so the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT may attend college at in state tuition rates. Directions are supplied to the nearest healthcare facility so the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT may optain the best services on the planet for no charge. An additional form is supplied so the taxpayer must hire special teachers in order to instruct non-english speaking students. We supply housing, transportation, healthcare, education, jobs, business subsudies and much more! Where does this madness emd!

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Robin S. - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Lyla B. - 2008-07-10 12:10:23

I can think of 45 jobs that just became vacant!! I am sure, if offered out, 45 of the 228,000 "Lazy Americans" would apply!

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - 2008-07-10 12:00:22

"First of all... Just because 228,000 people are unemployed in this state does NOT mean that illegal immigrants "stole" all of their jobs.""
No but every illegal immigrant working in this state is working at a stolen job.
They are ILLEGAL. They do not belong here. They are criminals. They do not have the same rights as US citizens. Their plight is not my problem but they are. They are a drain on resources. Please wrap your head around these facts Lyla. These are the rules of this country and everyone gets to play by the same ones. If you don't like that go away or be hauled away.

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david f. - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Illegal immigrants - 2008-07-10 11:42:48

The paper has posted a side to the (illegal) immigrant issue that makes it look as if we are the bad guys...again. What part of illegal don't you all understand? I and most others don't worry about the LEGAL immigrants. But we have in the neighborhood of 12 million illegals here. Not all are here to work. How many jobs have been lost to the average working person because of it? The ones that should really be prosecuted though are the companies etc that hire these people. The penalties are in place to be used so why isn't that happening. By the way...NAFTA has been SOOO good for the US hasn't it?? Yeah sure. The thing that really bothers me about the illegal problem though is that they receive government money in the form of many welfare type programs. This is wrong. What part of illegal doesn't the liberal bunch understand. Guess I'm just spitting into the wind!!

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Carl Radtka - Deaver, WY - Karma: Bad

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Debbie F. - 2008-07-10 11:42:30

First of all... Just because 228,000 people are unemployed in this state does NOT mean that illegal immigrants "stole" all of their jobs. Second... If these unemployed Marylanders would be so "willing" and "thankful" to have a job, they should go get one! There are plenty of jobs out there if you are willing to break a sweat and work for your money. OH WAIT- I almost forgot... many Americans are TOO lazy to even think about working in some of the same types of jobs that the immigrants hold.

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Unemployment - 2008-07-10 10:57:38

Of Marylands near 5,700,000 + people, there is currently an unemployment rate of almost 4%. That would be about 228,000 LEGAL residents who would be available and thankful for the jobs that have been stolen from them.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Lyla Bosch - Edgewater, M - 2008-07-10 10:36:14

So what you?re saying is many people are different from many other people.
What an insightful thought.
Plato would be proud.
I think what are being skirted in your statements and opinions are the simple facts.
They are illegal.
Illegal, or unlawful, is used to describe something that is prohibited or not authorized by law.
They should not have been where they were. They have been removed. We need not discuss the reasons there were here. (it has no bearing on the story) We do not need to discuss how some employers treat some employees any more than we need to discuss my dogs diet. We need only to look at the facts. The lawbreakers have been brought to justice. Their rights were not infringed upon. ICE and AACO PD have not broken any laws as this story was reported. The 4th amendment is in tact.

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david f. - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad

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David F. -Crofton - 2008-07-10 10:07:47

David, I was not meaning to cast a blanket generalization about illegal immigrants- my point was offered as a rebutal for the argument that Americans are being tossed from their jobs because ALL illegal imigrants work for minimum wage (or less). I wanted to point out that some employers pay decent wages, but many Americans are too lazy to work in these jobs. I know this isn't the case for ALL employers, but for many it is. Also, I'm just trying to offer a different viewpoint so there is no reason to get hostile. Thanks.

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Lyla Bosch - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - 2008-07-10 09:28:09

You are joking right ???
"Without knowing the actual facts of the matter, it's unfair for anyone to say that all "illegal" immigrants work for minimal wages and don't pay taxes."
Are you really making an argument that it is unfair to generalize about a criminal? An "illegal"? Are you serious?
Let me be the first to apologize to any of you criminals who may be reading this. I guess maybe if you weren?t breaking the law and were where you belong you wouldn?t be offended. Please forgive my unfairness.

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david f. - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Learn the facts!!! - 2008-07-10 09:08:49

Without knowing the actual facts of the matter, it's unfair for anyone to say that all "illegal" immigrants work for minimal wages and don't pay taxes. I know many companies in this area that employ both white, black, AND mexican people and they are all paid well above minimum wage ($10-$17). People have a misconception that all Mexicans do not pay taxes, and this simply isn't true. They pay taxes and pay for services (medical, educational, etc.) just like the rest of us. As for the comment about them forcing us to "speak THEIR language" this also isn't factual. Many of the people that come here DO make an effort to learn english. To M.L in Edgewater, I'm sorry for your uncle's situation, however, do you know for FACT that he was run out by "illegal" immigrants, or was he simply replaced by cheaper, more cost effective employees? Again, not all Mexicans are ILLEGAL! S.P. in Annapolis, I couldn't agree more with your perspective. To Guy C. in Annapolis- the reason many of the immigrants are NOT here legally is that it is nearly impossible for someone to get legal status in this country. The red-tape that one must get through to be here legally is amazing. It's ashame that it has gotten to this point, but this is the reality that many immigrants face. I understand that many will not agree with my perspective on this matter, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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CASA de Mexico - 2008-07-10 08:52:31

The CASA representative may want to get his facts straight. Violating the immigration laws of this country as discussed is a criminal offense not a civil one. Try reading Title 8 Section 1325.

I am so sick and tired of hearing about the personal stories about a criminal illegal alien. The Capital needs to do a better job in its reporting other than pandering to illegal aliens and their advocates.

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Russell M. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Go figure... - 2008-07-10 08:20:31

I knew the whole "who would do the work" argument would come up... My uncle was doing fine as a forman for a concrete company up until 10 years ago when he got run out by the immigrants... Americans would do the work. Everyone says "supply and demand" -- of course if the market is flooded with cheaper labor, it's going to attract employers attention because is means an increase in profits. The employers who employs the illegals are as much at fault. No cheaper labor, we don't have a problem. More disconcerting to me as someone who is in a high tax bracket and is single, is the amount I pay in taxes (over $40K) to support these illegals. If you want to pay for them, by all means do so -- I don't and I should have the option but unfortunately don't. No issues with paying my fair share and helping out fellow Americans. But the illegals put strains on our schools and hospitals while making money under the table to send back to their respective countries. And WE as taxpayers are paying for. Get real people -- this is the real fleecing of America.

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M. L - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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What a bunch of garbage! - 2008-07-10 07:19:30

OH NO the big bad government men did there job and arrested illegal immigrants as they are SUPPOSED TO DO!! By all means let's put them on trial instead of the illegal?s! This article is pathetic, when people are in violation of the law they can't expect to be treated like law biding citizens and complaining about the methods used is even more pathetic. You do not calmly go up to criminals and ask them to come with you because your going to deport them. That?s how you get shot. I can?t feel sorry for the legal?s that got invaded They knew illegal?s were being harbored, they would be lucky not to face some charges of there own.

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K. Overman - arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Unreal... - 2008-07-10 07:15:34

WOW,
Let me make sure I understand this correctly?You are here in this country illegally and you get arrested and you think this should have been done in a kinder gentler manner.
Or maybe you are an American citizen who heard about the arrest and think it?s terrible that we would send our big bad men in black with their scary guns out to handle this.
Have any of you ever heard of terrorism in this country?
Do you think officers know before they enter a house what is on the other side of the door?
Please tell me where you bought your ESP machine because I just can?t find one that works.
Lets think things through before showing your ignorance on a subject.
As far as the Capital goes I?d rather take Mad Magazine as the gospel.

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david f. - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad

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They are ILLEGALS - 2008-07-10 06:32:21

Obviously there is a very liberal slant to this article. Bottom line here is that these guys were ILLEGAL aliens. ILLEGAL means against the law, therefore they are criminals for being here illegally, and thus they were treated as criminals. What's so difficult for liberals to understand here? Get the illegals out of the country, and if they want to re-enter and work, they can do it the legal way. In the meantime, I don't want to pay for their social services, health care or their kids' education with my tax money. Good job ICE!

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Guy C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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The REAL Americans - 2008-07-10 00:16:28

.....well....they were here FIRST.....got thrown out....and somehow they become illegal? Oh yeah, they don't own it anymore.......

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Cori Coates - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tactics - 2008-07-09 22:17:54

Why is presenting the point of view of the illegal immigrant a ?liberal slant?? Indeed it seems to me that everyone involved in this story was given a chance to give their view of the situation. It was said long ago that the role of the press is to ?afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.? Illegal or not these people are certainly afflicted. Is it then the role of the media to demonize these people? It seems that is what many here wish to do to. Paint them all with the same brush of being poor, uneducated, monolingual and above all criminal. Even if you don?t want illegal immigrants here is it so hard to have some empathy for their plight? Treat the hardened criminals for what they are. The others who have only come here in search of a better life for themselves and their children?if they are to be sent back can?t we do so without taking every last shred of their dignity?

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G. L. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Wow - 2008-07-09 21:56:11

Reading these comments, I'm ashamed to be an American and a human being.

We are so fortunate to live in a country that provides us with things like a guaranteed education and a subsidized housing if we need it. How can you not have compassion for those that live in poverty, fear, and desperation and want a better life for their families?

How can you judge these people if you are not trying to make a difference in the countries that they come from? I assure you, if I had a hungry child with no prospects of ever making anything of his life, I'd take the chance on America too.

I'm fairly certain that the people working menial jobs for less than minimum wage are not doing so to undermine you. They are doing so because they need jobs, and our immigration system does not allow them to find jobs regulated by the same laws that protect our rights to $6.55 and hour and a 40-hour work week.

There's a lot of discussion of "illegal" in these messages, as if the law determines what is right. That is an ignorant and dangerous way to think. Law is simply the prevalent way to think in government at a certain period of time. In our history slavery and segregation were legal. The "relocating" of Japanese was legal. These were clearly wrong, and people who sought to undermine these laws were justified. In 1938 German Jews were forced to leave their country (illegally) and enter other countries (illegally). You do what's needed to provide opportunity and safety for your family.

I'm not saying that the borders should simply be opened and anyone allowed to cross, but our immigration system is clearly broken (if it ever worked at all). A lot of time and money is being spent on a futile enterprise. It would be better allocated trying to integrate more people legally into our system so that shady employers couldn't find people to work for $3.00 an hour.

Because for some reason others see hope and opportunity in this country, and they are coming anyway.

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S. P - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Be more obvious - 2008-07-09 19:40:34

Wow, can you say obvious liberal slant? Elisabeth Hulette is far from fair and impartial in her reporting, so much for her credibility.

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Dave D. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Give me a break! - 2008-07-09 19:21:29

Our economy would be just fine without these illegals flooding our communities, demanding US to speak THEIR language, and all the while not paying into our tax system. Sure, legal citizens could fill their jobs, if the slime ball employers would offer fair wages. These illegals are working for well below minimum wage, while the employers are pocketing the profits. What LEGAL citizen would work for $3 an hour? Illegals and the scum bags who hire them are taking away jobs from trade skill workers and laborers who would willingly do the job if they were offered minimum wage. But since employers of illegals offer less and pocket more, they are contributing to the influx of illegals and their families. And I don't care how "hardworking" people claim illegals to be, but we do have to remember one fact---they are ILLEGAL! Do we forgive the top-notch surgeon who molests children? Do we forgive the lawyer who slaughters his wife? Certainly not. So why should we forgive the so-called "hardworking" illegal alien who is in this country illegally, who evades our tax system, who abuses the taxpayer funded services such as public school education and emergency health care without paying into that system? Illegal means illegal. And I hope ICE officials and Mr. Leopold never stop until every single illegal alien is removed from our great state of Maryland.

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Brian A. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Are you serious??? - 2008-07-09 19:07:22

I say send them all back. What the heck is wrong with people. They are here illegally, they break our laws, steal our social security, medicare, our jobs, our land, and they want to take our rights as US citizens. I am sick of reporters who want us to feel sorry for these illegal, the emphasis on illegal, aliens who continue to come into our country and strip away everything we have worked for these last 232 years for. Sorry but no thanks.

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D. S - Linthicum, MD - Karma: Bad

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2008-07-09 18:37:09

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- Karma: Bad

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Another Perspective - 2008-07-09 18:35:08

Well I am glad to see that Mr. Leopold has finally taken a stand on SOMETHING while he is in office, but I deplore the methods he employed during this raid. I fully agree that the police officers should be protected and safe when conducting a raid such as this, but did they really have to go to such extremes? As for the comment by "M.L. in Edgwater" that all illegal aliens should be locked up- I ask you this: Who would do the work that these people do if they were all deported? These people work harder than many Americans do and for the most part they are law abiding members of the community. People complain about them being in this country, but they have a large and positive impact on our economy. People hear the words "illegal" and "alien" and they don't stop to consider the BENEFITS we are ALL receiving because they are here in this country. Also, Mr. Leopold was quatoed as "not being an expert" on the matter, but honestly, what IS he an expert on? This raid will end up just being another embarassment for his administration...

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Lyla B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Way to go ICE and the PD - 2008-07-09 18:27:13

These illegal immigrants are just that - ILLEGAL! They need to be treated as criminals because that is what they are. They are not entitled to special treatment just because they don't traffic drugs or carry guns. The only thing they are entitled to is a ride in a police car straight back to where they came from - don't even stop for paperwork - save some trees.

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Terry S. - Crown, MD - Karma: Bad

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one thought.... - 2008-07-09 18:10:13

a lot of illegal aliens are also used as "mules" to smuggle drugs into the U.S. I'm not saying that the immigrants who were arrested in Annapolis were used this way - how would we know that - but this is an ongoing problem that is a fact and rarely mentioned in any of these articles.

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Susie M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Unjustified - 2008-07-09 17:56:26

You guys really think it's necessary to bust down a bunch of doors to arrest some painters? It's not like these guys were drug traffickers. Also, some of these people weren't even illegal aliens. Did they deserve it too? As far as balance, ICE commented in the story, saying the tactics were necessary. Telling the story from the other side was good public service. It's hardly police bashing. Now you can decide for yourself if they were justified.

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Ryan B. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Is this a real story??? - 2008-07-09 16:19:36

They are here illegally -- meaning they are breaking the law. So yes, handcuffs and the normal police tactics make sense as they are breaking the law. I can assure you if there was a raid on my house for illegal activity they would do the same thing and I'm a citizen. Law enforcement is supposed to be sensitive because they are immigrants??? Who writes this crap??? As far as I'm concerned, they can round up every last illegal in handcuffs and escort them right out of the coountry... And I'm ready for the flames such as "your ancestors aren't from America"... You are absolutely correct -- they came from England and Poland and both sets of my great grandparents followed the rules and came through Ellis Island -- LEGALLY. It's pretty simple people...

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M. L - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Capital at its best - 2008-07-09 15:56:55

This is just another example of the not so hard hitting, amateurish reporting we have come to expect from The Capital. Why not walk down a street and talk to a few residents? I bet you 7 out of 10 applaud Anne Arundel county and ICE. Balanced reporting wouldn't be pandering to the pro illegal alian groups. How bad, on so many levels, is this article? How about after Mr. Leopold's office is quoted about how he isn;t an expert on investigations or tactics? The author of the article throws in this: "But the people whose doors were forced open - and their families - think differently". What? Do they think Mr. Leopold is an expert on such things?
I Love the Police Beat, so there is something good in the paper.

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Brian N. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tactics - 2008-07-09 15:46:38

Once again, the Capital is in the business of law enforcement bashing. Wow, sooo glad I cancelled my subscription.

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Terra B. - Huntingtown, MD - Karma: Bad

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Tactics - 2008-07-09 14:22:06

I guess CASA de Maryland would have expected ICE and local Police to politely knock on their doors and ask them if it would be ok to arrest them for their criminal activity. Do you think they would actually open their doors willingly and do you really think they would say suuuurrre....arrest me please, and thank you.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Tactics? - 2008-07-09 13:57:42

Put yourself in the role of the Agents. I would absolutely wear a bullet proof vest and would be handcuffing the suspects. This isn't a game people, they are called illegal aliens for a reason. I say kudos to ICE and to the local police.

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N. Wallace - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Neutral