Or am I the only guy talking about illegal immigration in the context that A: It’s wrong, and B: We shouldn’t be encouraging more of it?
On my former blog (Firewolf’s Blog) I covered extensively one particular illegal immigrant case and you can read about it here via Wikipedia.
Needless to say, this story was in the paper today:
A young man from Mexico who was found squatting at Apple Valley High School a year ago is apparently on the lam after failing to board a plane in the Twin Cities to return to his homeland.
Francisco Javier Serrano, 22, whose story made news around the world, had been ordered by a judge to leave the United States because he was here illegally.
Now, let me be clear about something first, before I get the emails calling me a racist.
- There is NOTHING wrong with immigrating to America as long as you do so LEGALLY.
- My coverage of Mr. Serrano is simply to shed light on the injustice of liberal thinking when they assume that my tax dollars = free-for-all “gimmies” to non-citizens/undocumented/illegal/criminal/thugs.
- What is even more disturbing is the fact that a 22 year old man thought it was “Ok” to sleep in a hgh school of children, and there was literally ZERO outrage or question that this guy could have been a stalker/pedophile/rapist/.
Furthermore, what’s even stranger to me is that we had him in “custody”, paid the plane ticket to shuttle his illegal butt back to Mexico, and after going through security checkpoints, he vanished without a trace, never boarding the plane, never arriving in Mexico.
On Jan. 5, he hugged supporters goodbye at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and walked toward the security screeners. But he has not been heard from since — in the United States or Mexico. Neither Igbanugo (His Lawyer) nor Serrano’s family in Mexico has heard from him.
Reporters, supporters, etc has escorted him to the checkpoint, gave hugs, said goodbyes, and no one knows what happened.
One theory has surfaced about his escape route: Light Rail. I’m sure most of you that live in major metropolitan areas have had to swallow light rail boondoggles. Well, the map I linked to, shows that only part of it has been built, when in fact, it’s completed. It sits right under the airport, and anyone wanting to leave anonymously can simply walk down to it, hop on, relatively cheap, and vanish into the cities.
Does that leave you feeling comfortably about YOUR Homeland Security?
We can’t even deport illegal immigrants, who are in the media spotlight correctly!
I don’t know what to say really other than I am frustrated completely with my Government’s ability to do their job, and the sheer audacity of those who support illegal immigrants to circumvent the law.

{ 1 trackback }
{ 54 comments }
Stacie 02.14.06 at 10:08 am
When I worked for the SSA, I learned that someone can come to the US legally at 55, live here and get citizenship, never work, and get Social Security. I think that even legal immigration needs a bit of tweaking.
As for illegal immigration, it is wrong. Americans aren’t able to go to other countries without a passport and live there legally. The Baltimore Sun ran an article months ago about how women from Mexico are bused to the Eastern Shore to chuck oysters, but couldn’t last year because the work quota had been met. Last time I checked, there were still people looking for jobs. All I can say is thank goodness for the border control.
Stacie 02.14.06 at 10:08 am
When I worked for the SSA, I learned that someone can come to the US legally at 55, live here and get citizenship, never work, and get Social Security. I think that even legal immigration needs a bit of tweaking.
As for illegal immigration, it is wrong. Americans aren’t able to go to other countries without a passport and live there legally. The Baltimore Sun ran an article months ago about how women from Mexico are bused to the Eastern Shore to chuck oysters, but couldn’t last year because the work quota had been met. Last time I checked, there were still people looking for jobs. All I can say is thank goodness for the border control.
Facebook User 02.14.06 at 12:38 pm
It’s not just you, but it can sure feel that way sometimes.
Welcome to the United Socialist America…
Travis Seitler 02.14.06 at 12:38 pm
It’s not just you, but it can sure feel that way sometimes.
Welcome to the United Socialist America…
David Nick 02.14.06 at 12:39 pm
Thanks Stacie!
I realize that benefits for even our legal immigrants need some work, but atleast we need to shed light and focus on them, and not cram benefits for people who are here ILLEGALLY, down our throats.
At the same time, you said “thank goodness for the border control” and I have to sarcastically add “what border control”. Sure they’ve added more guards, sure they’ve added more patrols, but many of it still hasn’t been effective enough to stave off the massive flow of illegals across our borders. They are still getting across.
And I am the type to keep harping on a subject until the issue is resolved, and then staying on top of it to make sure it doesn’t fall to the wayside when controversy subsides.
:)
David Nick 02.14.06 at 12:39 pm
Thanks Stacie!
I realize that benefits for even our legal immigrants need some work, but atleast we need to shed light and focus on them, and not cram benefits for people who are here ILLEGALLY, down our throats.
At the same time, you said “thank goodness for the border control” and I have to sarcastically add “what border control”. Sure they’ve added more guards, sure they’ve added more patrols, but many of it still hasn’t been effective enough to stave off the massive flow of illegals across our borders. They are still getting across.
And I am the type to keep harping on a subject until the issue is resolved, and then staying on top of it to make sure it doesn’t fall to the wayside when controversy subsides.
:)
Aaron Brazell 02.14.06 at 12:56 pm
If there was effective border control, there wouldn’t be a need for the Minutemen.
Aaron 02.14.06 at 12:56 pm
If there was effective border control, there wouldn’t be a need for the Minutemen.
George 02.16.06 at 7:30 pm
“What is even more disturbing is the fact that a 22 year old man thought it was “Ok” to sleep in a hgh school of children, and there was literally ZERO outrage or question that this guy could have been a stalker/pedophile/rapist/.”
Lol, you ask not to be called a racist and then you come out with this? Where does the ‘probably-guilty-of-random-crimes-pulled-out-of-my-ass’ assumption come from if not from racism? From the assumption that breaking one law in the hope of a better life for himself must mean he’s capable of breaking other laws and ruining the lives of others?
George 02.16.06 at 7:30 pm
“What is even more disturbing is the fact that a 22 year old man thought it was “Ok” to sleep in a hgh school of children, and there was literally ZERO outrage or question that this guy could have been a stalker/pedophile/rapist/.”
Lol, you ask not to be called a racist and then you come out with this? Where does the ‘probably-guilty-of-random-crimes-pulled-out-of-my-ass’ assumption come from if not from racism? From the assumption that breaking one law in the hope of a better life for himself must mean he’s capable of breaking other laws and ruining the lives of others?
Aaron Brazell 02.16.06 at 7:44 pm
I fail to see the connection between the item you quoted and racism.
Aaron 02.16.06 at 7:44 pm
I fail to see the connection between the item you quoted and racism.
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 7:56 pm
Yeah, George… I’d wager Aaron would raise that concern about any 22-year-old man sleeping in a high school! (I know I would… and I’m a 23-year-old man!)
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 7:56 pm
Yeah, George… I’d wager Aaron would raise that concern about any 22-year-old man sleeping in a high school! (I know I would… and I’m a 23-year-old man!)
Aaron Brazell 02.16.06 at 7:59 pm
It was David, but yeah ;)
Aaron 02.16.06 at 7:59 pm
It was David, but yeah ;)
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:06 pm
Um… I’m seeing “George says” up there. (I don’t think the layout here is that screwy!)
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:06 pm
Um… I’m seeing “George says” up there. (I don’t think the layout here is that screwy!)
Aaron Brazell 02.16.06 at 8:08 pm
I’m totally lost, Travis… What are you talking about? :p
Aaron 02.16.06 at 8:08 pm
I’m totally lost, Travis… What are you talking about? :p
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:14 pm
::sigh::
George Says:
“Lol, you ask not to be called a racist and then you come out with this? Where does the ‘probably-guilty-of-random-crimes-pulled-out-of-my-ass’ assumption come from if not from racism? From the assumption that breaking one law in the hope of a better life for himself must mean he’s capable of breaking other laws and ruining the lives of others?”
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:14 pm
::sigh::
George Says:
“Lol, you ask not to be called a racist and then you come out with this? Where does the ‘probably-guilty-of-random-crimes-pulled-out-of-my-ass’ assumption come from if not from racism? From the assumption that breaking one law in the hope of a better life for himself must mean he’s capable of breaking other laws and ruining the lives of others?”
Aaron Brazell 02.16.06 at 8:16 pm
The limitation of text. :sigh: :sigh:
Then you said, “I’d wager Aaron would raise that concern about any 22-year-old man sleeping in a high school!” indicating that I wrote the entry.
I was pointing out that David Nick wrote this entry. :-)
Aaron 02.16.06 at 8:16 pm
The limitation of text. :sigh: :sigh:
Then you said, “I’d wager Aaron would raise that concern about any 22-year-old man sleeping in a high school!” indicating that I wrote the entry.
I was pointing out that David Nick wrote this entry. :-)
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:22 pm
Puah-hahahaha!!!
Oh, I get it now! (More the limitation of limited text!)
Of course, I could try and pass it off as simply backing up your comment, rather than backing up David Nick’s point… but I wouldn’t do that! (Really!)
Alright, confusion cleared! So, can “more obvious guest blog entries” be a requirement for the redesign? ;)
Travis Seitler 02.16.06 at 8:22 pm
Puah-hahahaha!!!
Oh, I get it now! (More the limitation of limited text!)
Of course, I could try and pass it off as simply backing up your comment, rather than backing up David Nick’s point… but I wouldn’t do that! (Really!)
Alright, confusion cleared! So, can “more obvious guest blog entries” be a requirement for the redesign? ;)
Aaron 02.16.06 at 8:24 pm
Yes. Indeed it can and should! :-)
Aaron Brazell 02.16.06 at 8:24 pm
Yes. Indeed it can and should! :-)
David Nick 02.16.06 at 10:01 pm
Apparently it’s OK to be in this country illegally, violate the law by sleeping in a high school and trying to pass yourself off as a kid (even when you’re 22).
But nevermind that, George had his Kool-Aid and now I’m a racist!
Problem Solved, just find George to solve all the worlds’ tough issues of the day!
David Nick 02.16.06 at 10:01 pm
Apparently it’s OK to be in this country illegally, violate the law by sleeping in a high school and trying to pass yourself off as a kid (even when you’re 22).
But nevermind that, George had his Kool-Aid and now I’m a racist!
Problem Solved, just find George to solve all the worlds’ tough issues of the day!
David Nick 02.16.06 at 10:01 pm
(P.S. Thanks for the support guys LOL)
David Nick 02.16.06 at 10:01 pm
(P.S. Thanks for the support guys LOL)
George 02.17.06 at 5:51 am
Fine, go for it. Hide behind the “it’s only his age I’m talking about”. That makes it a whole lot better, for sure, because as we all know “22 year old in the vicinity of 17 year olds == pedophile until proven otherwise”. I’d love to have you as a dad.
Oh wait, what’s that? You wouldn’t think that of your son? So you’ve made a snap decision instead based on what? Oh yeah …
No one said it was okay to be in this country illegally. The difference is, some people have the perspective to see that the only reason you’re in this country legally is the pure luck of where you were born. Some people have it much much shittier and have no other reasonable option for improving their lives. I thought Republicanism looked favourably on personal innovation and initiative?
Is breaking the law okay? No, not really. But does breaking that one law make him scum and sub-human? No, that neither.
George 02.17.06 at 5:51 am
Fine, go for it. Hide behind the “it’s only his age I’m talking about”. That makes it a whole lot better, for sure, because as we all know “22 year old in the vicinity of 17 year olds == pedophile until proven otherwise”. I’d love to have you as a dad.
Oh wait, what’s that? You wouldn’t think that of your son? So you’ve made a snap decision instead based on what? Oh yeah …
No one said it was okay to be in this country illegally. The difference is, some people have the perspective to see that the only reason you’re in this country legally is the pure luck of where you were born. Some people have it much much shittier and have no other reasonable option for improving their lives. I thought Republicanism looked favourably on personal innovation and initiative?
Is breaking the law okay? No, not really. But does breaking that one law make him scum and sub-human? No, that neither.
Aaron 02.17.06 at 6:34 am
“Oh wait, what’s that? You wouldn’t think that of your son? So you’ve made a snap decision instead based on what? Oh yeah …”
Please. That just makes you sound like an idiot whether you’re black or white. And you, George, are an idiot.
Aaron Brazell 02.17.06 at 6:34 am
“Oh wait, what’s that? You wouldn’t think that of your son? So you’ve made a snap decision instead based on what? Oh yeah …”
Please. That just makes you sound like an idiot whether you’re black or white. And you, George, are an idiot.
David Nick 02.17.06 at 9:17 am
Georgey Georgey Georgey,
It’s not racist to assume that if you go to great lengths to hide who you are, where you came from, that perhaps you also hide other things as well.
That’s not racism, that’s human nature.
And just because he was born in a “shitty” place doesn’t also mean that he can violate laws because “he had a rough life and we just need to understand his condition”.
That too is ridiculous.
And George? Who said I was a Republican?
David Nick 02.17.06 at 9:17 am
Georgey Georgey Georgey,
It’s not racist to assume that if you go to great lengths to hide who you are, where you came from, that perhaps you also hide other things as well.
That’s not racism, that’s human nature.
And just because he was born in a “shitty” place doesn’t also mean that he can violate laws because “he had a rough life and we just need to understand his condition”.
That too is ridiculous.
And George? Who said I was a Republican?
George 02.17.06 at 10:45 am
I’m not an idiot, I’m just trolling a troll post. Anything which has to say “I’m not a racist, but …” halfway through is pretty shameful, but let’s leave the race card alone now.
Seriously, who makes a post saying “there hasn’t been enough stereotyping, wild speculation and plain alarmist scare-mongering from the media about this story! I demand the media tries harder to editorialize in a way that will help me feel more afraid and outraged, rather than just reporting the facts!”
And David, for your interest, comments about “liberal thinking” as if half the political spectrum thinks exactly the same way and moaning about your tax dollars going anywhere other than straight back into your pocket point you out pretty clearly as a Republican. Sorry to break that one to you.
George 02.17.06 at 10:45 am
I’m not an idiot, I’m just trolling a troll post. Anything which has to say “I’m not a racist, but …” halfway through is pretty shameful, but let’s leave the race card alone now.
Seriously, who makes a post saying “there hasn’t been enough stereotyping, wild speculation and plain alarmist scare-mongering from the media about this story! I demand the media tries harder to editorialize in a way that will help me feel more afraid and outraged, rather than just reporting the facts!”
And David, for your interest, comments about “liberal thinking” as if half the political spectrum thinks exactly the same way and moaning about your tax dollars going anywhere other than straight back into your pocket point you out pretty clearly as a Republican. Sorry to break that one to you.
Aaron 02.17.06 at 10:58 am
George–
Let me be clear with you. You’re more than welcome to troll and you’re more than welcome to foam at the mouth. This is my blog and I will say what I want (not that you ever questioned that). I’m just being clear.
Having said that, David is a highly respected member of this community and a regular writer. We do nto see eye to eye on everything and debate is common and encouraged. In fact it has gotten downright ugly at times.
Having said that, you are new. You do not have the clout to come in and disparage any member of this community unless you come with respect. Notice I did not say you had to agree. But you must respect the people here as you expect (as do I) people to respect you.
Let me set some ground rules on your comment here.
1. You are an idiot.
2. You draw the race card, you live with it. David di not play the race card and in fact this is a racially diverse audience. Shove it. The only proble I have with blacks are folks like you (who I presume is black) who make everything about race. There is only one word to describe you and your kind and I won’t use it out of respect to my black friends and readers.
3.Liberal does not equal democrat as republican does not equal conservative. Coservative/liberal is ideology. Republican/Democrat is party affiliation. Get it right or don’t make assumptions.
Bottom line. If you come in here blasting your mouth off you better believe I’m going to come to the defense of any one of my guys here.
Aaron Brazell 02.17.06 at 10:58 am
George–
Let me be clear with you. You’re more than welcome to troll and you’re more than welcome to foam at the mouth. This is my blog and I will say what I want (not that you ever questioned that). I’m just being clear.
Having said that, David is a highly respected member of this community and a regular writer. We do nto see eye to eye on everything and debate is common and encouraged. In fact it has gotten downright ugly at times.
Having said that, you are new. You do not have the clout to come in and disparage any member of this community unless you come with respect. Notice I did not say you had to agree. But you must respect the people here as you expect (as do I) people to respect you.
Let me set some ground rules on your comment here.
1. You are an idiot.
2. You draw the race card, you live with it. David di not play the race card and in fact this is a racially diverse audience. Shove it. The only proble I have with blacks are folks like you (who I presume is black) who make everything about race. There is only one word to describe you and your kind and I won’t use it out of respect to my black friends and readers.
3.Liberal does not equal democrat as republican does not equal conservative. Coservative/liberal is ideology. Republican/Democrat is party affiliation. Get it right or don’t make assumptions.
Bottom line. If you come in here blasting your mouth off you better believe I’m going to come to the defense of any one of my guys here.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 1:10 pm
This kid broke into my apartment in Boston. Scared my roommates half to death with his threats to kill everyone. I wasn’t home at the time. Thank god my other 2 male roommates were home at the time. My female roommate’s room was right next to the door he broke down to get in. I don’t want to think about what could have happened to her if they weren’t home to protect her.
My roommate Spike was the one that beat him with the sauce pot all the way down our hallway and on to Prince Street. The kid bashed into our apartment and my roommate Spike said to him “What are you doing? We have nothing for you to steal.” That’s when Serrano said “I’m not hear to steal. I’m here to kill!!!” As soon as Spike heard that, he grabbed the sauce pot and started beating Serrano all the way to the street.
Obviously the kid has some problems. I don’t know if he was really there to kill or if he was just trying to find a way to get back in the spotlight. Today is the first time I heard about his past. But I’m just glad my roommate Spike was home at the time.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 1:10 pm
This kid broke into my apartment in Boston. Scared my roommates half to death with his threats to kill everyone. I wasn’t home at the time. Thank god my other 2 male roommates were home at the time. My female roommate’s room was right next to the door he broke down to get in. I don’t want to think about what could have happened to her if they weren’t home to protect her.
My roommate Spike was the one that beat him with the sauce pot all the way down our hallway and on to Prince Street. The kid bashed into our apartment and my roommate Spike said to him “What are you doing? We have nothing for you to steal.” That’s when Serrano said “I’m not hear to steal. I’m here to kill!!!” As soon as Spike heard that, he grabbed the sauce pot and started beating Serrano all the way to the street.
Obviously the kid has some problems. I don’t know if he was really there to kill or if he was just trying to find a way to get back in the spotlight. Today is the first time I heard about his past. But I’m just glad my roommate Spike was home at the time.
David Nick 04.13.06 at 3:26 pm
Thanks Jarret for your insight. I’m happy to hear that none of your roomates were seriously hurt. This guy was a creep from the word go and needed to be deported before this happened. Now that it has, I hope that this case will garner more serious attention as it is a good case study into tighter illegal immigration/undocumented worker laws.
David Nick 04.13.06 at 3:26 pm
Thanks Jarret for your insight. I’m happy to hear that none of your roomates were seriously hurt. This guy was a creep from the word go and needed to be deported before this happened. Now that it has, I hope that this case will garner more serious attention as it is a good case study into tighter illegal immigration/undocumented worker laws.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 4:15 pm
Thank you! I’m glad everyone is okay as well. They were quite shaken up about the whole experience.
Honestly, I don’t really know how I feel about the whole immigration debate going on right now. On the one hand this should never have happened to us because he was not suppose to be in the country to begin with. On the other hand, a similar thing happened to me and the same girl I live with now about 6 years ago at a different residence.
A bunch of white, male, thieves, that were American citizens, were in our house when she came home. It was a very scary experience as well. But these were citizens of our country. So I guess these experiences tell me that no matter who is in our country, legal or illegal, this stuff will still happen.
This country was founded on immigration and build by immigrants. My Grandmother’s parents were immigrants from Greece. What if they weren’t allowed into this country? I wouldn’t be here right now, along with many of us here. So there is a lot to think about in this debate. I don’t know where I stand.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 4:15 pm
Thank you! I’m glad everyone is okay as well. They were quite shaken up about the whole experience.
Honestly, I don’t really know how I feel about the whole immigration debate going on right now. On the one hand this should never have happened to us because he was not suppose to be in the country to begin with. On the other hand, a similar thing happened to me and the same girl I live with now about 6 years ago at a different residence.
A bunch of white, male, thieves, that were American citizens, were in our house when she came home. It was a very scary experience as well. But these were citizens of our country. So I guess these experiences tell me that no matter who is in our country, legal or illegal, this stuff will still happen.
This country was founded on immigration and build by immigrants. My Grandmother’s parents were immigrants from Greece. What if they weren’t allowed into this country? I wouldn’t be here right now, along with many of us here. So there is a lot to think about in this debate. I don’t know where I stand.
Aaron 04.13.06 at 4:18 pm
I don’t think it’s immigration that is being debated. I think it’s more about the process. If the immigrant comes legally, I have no problem with it. I’m not looking for a closed society. However, just because this is America doesn’t mean anyone who wants to be here can (or should) be here. I mean… what if Osama wanted to come and work at the 7-11 on the corner? What would people say? He just wants to work? No, I would think people would want to make sure that “the process” caught him before he made it into the country to work.
Aaron Brazell 04.13.06 at 4:18 pm
I don’t think it’s immigration that is being debated. I think it’s more about the process. If the immigrant comes legally, I have no problem with it. I’m not looking for a closed society. However, just because this is America doesn’t mean anyone who wants to be here can (or should) be here. I mean… what if Osama wanted to come and work at the 7-11 on the corner? What would people say? He just wants to work? No, I would think people would want to make sure that “the process” caught him before he made it into the country to work.
Travis Seitler 04.13.06 at 4:21 pm
“My Grandmother’s parents were immigrants from Greece. What if they weren’t allowed into this country? I wouldn’t be here right now, along with many of us here. So there is a lot to think about in this debate. I don’t know where I stand.”
It seems the waters keep getting muddied… why is it so hard to draw a distinction between immigration (which is perfectly fine) and illegal immigration (which is a crime, and ought to be treated as such)?
It almost seems like certain groups are trying to confuse the two in the mind of the average citizen.
Facebook User 04.13.06 at 4:21 pm
“My Grandmother’s parents were immigrants from Greece. What if they weren’t allowed into this country? I wouldn’t be here right now, along with many of us here. So there is a lot to think about in this debate. I don’t know where I stand.”
It seems the waters keep getting muddied… why is it so hard to draw a distinction between immigration (which is perfectly fine) and illegal immigration (which is a crime, and ought to be treated as such)?
It almost seems like certain groups are trying to confuse the two in the mind of the average citizen.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 4:37 pm
I guess my post came out all wrong there. I’m concerned about exactly that… The Process.
Jarret 04.13.06 at 4:37 pm
I guess my post came out all wrong there. I’m concerned about exactly that… The Process.
Comments on this entry are closed.