By Martin Arvizu

One would think that deporting gangsters is an issue that both pro and anti-immigration groups can agree on. I mean these are members of Los Angeles County gangs; some of the most violent and notorious gangs not only in the United States, but in the world. Deporting illegal-alien gang members would seriously cripple some of LA’s gangs.  A 1995 California Department of Justice study found that 60 percent of the 20,000 member 18^th Street Gang in Southern California is illegal and police think that number may be higher.  Police have asserted that the infamous Mara Salvatrucha gang which was started in El Salvador is overwhelmingly illegal.

I mean 20,000 members! That is a small army. Why not deport 60 percent or more of them?  Crime would go down just by the sheer drop in members. Less members equals less drive-bys, robberies and whatever else gangbangers do. Police are obviously out numbered by drastic margins. It would not prevent all crime, but deporting 60 percent of a criminal gang would obviously make a dent. And it may save lives.

Today’s top story, written by Los Angeles Daily News staff writer, Troy Anderson recounts the story of Jamiel Shaw, who was only 17 when he was shot and killed by Pedro Espinoza. Espinoza, only 19, was released from jail the day before he allegedly shot Shaw. Espinoza was in the country illegally but authorities never inquired into his immigration status. Espinoza was a reputed gang member, Shaw a standout running back at Los Angeles High School. Not only did the murder enflame anti-immigrant proponents and give them more ammunition in their war against illegal immigration, it damaged community relations between Mexicans and African Americans. But I am sure that Espinoza proved he was dedicated to his gang, and got plenty of slaps on the back before being arrested.  

One would think that a plan to deport illegal immigrant convicts like this would receive little resistance. I consider myself a pro-immigrant advocate and believe that this recent harassment of Mexican immigrants is simply scapegoating by our government during hard times. Our government has done it before, and will do it again. But I have no problem with the government deporting criminals, Mexican or whatever ethnicity they may be. They are not working and have little interest in contributing anything positive to society. So how can anyone argue against deporting gang members?

Well the American Civil Liberties Union can. They argue that the job that custody assistants are performing is exceedingly complex and poses liability problems. They site the case in which they are suing the county on behalf of Peter Guzman. Guzman, a U.S. citizen was wrongfully deported and spent nearly three months wandering the streets of Tijuana before he was able to get back home to the United States.

I would like to know if Mr. Guzman can speak. Can he not pick up the phone and call for help? He must not have seen Born in East LA I guess. Maybe he said, “Well I’m already here maybe I’ll hit up Rosarito Beach or something.” I think he was partying not wandering. I mean after all he was in Tijuana. Tijuana has enough debauchery and carnal activities to keep a grown man occupied for years.

Regardless, the ACLU is wrong in this case. Protecting criminals at the expense of law-abiding citizens is always wrong. I think this program should be implemented across the country especially here in Maricopa County. Maybe then Sheriff Joe will leave elote vendors alone because I am starting to crave one.