Border Patrol, activists clash at the border By VICTOR MORALES, Staff Writer
Monday, November 12, 2007 10:23 PM PST
SCREEN CAPTURE COURTESY OF NO BORDERS CAMP
U.S. Border Patrol agents and members of No Borders Camp clash at the international boundary near Calexico on Monday.
CALEXICO — Demonstrators participating in a weeklong anti-border protest that ended in violence over the weekend called the U.S. Border Patrol’s response “excessive” Monday.
A No Borders Camp demonstrator suspected of pushing an agent was detained Sunday evening, setting off a forceful response from Border Patrol agents near the border fence just east of the downtown Calexico Port of Entry.
Two more protesters were arrested for assaulting federal agents and there was no reported injuries, Border Patrol public information agent Quinn Palmer said Monday.
Around 5 p.m. Sunday, after the demonstrator was detained, agents deployed pepper-spray balls to disperse the crowd and “quickly gained control,” Palmer said.
Specific details are sketchy as the Border Patrol has yet to provide a thorough narrative of the incident. But a video taken by protesters shows a male demonstrator hopping up and down and brushing up against an agent. The demonstrator was subsequently wrestled to the ground by several officers, triggering agents to wield batons and shout “get back” while they fanned out in a confrontational stance.
Seconds later an agent is seen in the video, deploying numerous rounds of pepper-spray balls. As the agents advance at will, they could be seen tackling a demonstrator that appeared to be fleeing and applied a baton blow to his leg. The demonstrator appeared to struggle to get away as agents piled on him, the video shows.
Palmer said there was no agency inquiry investigating the conduct of the agents. But the video appears to depict a breakdown of command and formation.
Protesters said Monday the agents’ actions were excessive, “unnecessarily” endangering participants, including disabled ones who could not flee and were tumbled over, and the agents were indiscriminately firing pepper balls at the crowd.
“I think it’s an outrage. It shows how poorly they are trained and it raises a lot of question on how they treat people on a day-to-day basis when they are out of public view,” said Rich Matgurn, 26, a Calexico resident who participated in Sunday’s protest.
The two-minute melee came after agents forcefully separated demonstrators from the fence at Heffernan Avenue and First Street after a hole had been cut through the iron barrier, Palmer said. The Border Patrol does not know if demonstrators on the U.S. side or on the Mexican side had cut the hole. About 50 to 100 demonstrators in Mexicali had joined Sunday’s protest.
“As agents positioned themselves between the marchers and the breach in order to preserve the integrity of the border fence, several protesters physically assaulted the agents,” Palmer said. Palmer said last week the Border Patrol did not anticipate an increase in staff and that the agency’s operations would be “business as usual” during the protests.
The nature of the assault allegedly carried out by the two other arrestees was not known. They were transferred to the FBI and remain in custody at Imperial County jail. Demonstrators identified two of the arrested demonstrators as Erik Wackernagel and Steve Murphy.
The incident came after agents displayed much latitude toward the demonstrators during the week. They hung messages and scaled the border fence at their camp four miles east of Highway 111. The demonstrators are part of the No Borders Camp protest, objecting to what they say is the violence and exploitation that migrants and indigenous peoples of the world experience and that are exacerbated by political borders.
Matgurn said Sunday’s protest was to be the last of the five-day event. There have been no reported arrests preceding Sunday. On Friday protesters blocked Imperial Avenue in El Centro in both directions for about 20 minutes, protesting at the headquarters of the Border Patrol’s El Centro sector.
“After five days of relatively peaceful protest, the No Borders Camp protesters began defacing and destroying government property,” Quinn said.
Quinn said he did not know how many agents responded to the scene Sunday but said it as an “adequate” force. Witnesses said the agents numbered about 40 or 50 and the protesters numbered about 50.
“The officials (Border Patrol) looked agitated and aggressive,” said Terrie, 31, a merchant on First Street who declined to give her full name.
“It was an over force. For me, I don’t think it was necessary,” said Young Lee, a merchant at the corner of Heffernan Avenue and First Street.
" I am in the military and have lived in Calexico (the best town in Cali). I feel the border patrol over stepped their bounds. There are more effective ways to calm a crowd. I saw one kid in the video take a baton blow to the leg as he was fleeing the scene. The crowd was dispersing, no one was staying and fighing the agents. These kids were outnumbered. I took an oath to support and defend the United States and its Constitution. What happened at Heffernan and First was unconstitutional. Dont get me wrong, defacing government property is a crime. The border patrol had every right to disperse the crowd, and arrest those after they had defaced government property, they did not however have the right to brutalize a bunch of unarmed kids "
sweetsunshine wrote on Nov 16, 2007 10:17 AM:
" Tomasa, wow...I have never felt like there was a "hysteria: against us before!?! I think you need to move out of your neighborhood! We are the fastest growing group in America, we are finally getting positive shows and positive hispanic role models in the media. My family came here legally as it was supposed to be done. Some relatives joined the military and got citizenship that way because we all love this country. America has been welcoming. People just need to go about it the legal way like the rest of us. This is a new age, a good age. It's just your own insecurity and paranoia that is effecting you. America treats illegal immagrants the BEST in the world. It is unrealistic to compare America to the German Nazi regime. Even so, illegal immagrants come here by choice...If this was Nazi America, we would be storming Mexico and other countries and dragging them out. A HUGE difference. "
tomasa wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:20 AM:
" violence or no violence ...
it is interesting to read all the comments. i notice that nothing is mentioned about the recent crackdown on illegal immigrants in the united states, the hysteria against mexicans regardless of whether they are US-mexicans or not. the many forms of legislation that are being proposed and passed in this country that will seriously make life for any mexican in this country feel insecure.
protesting the border fence... perhaps these people are sensitive to the mood-shift taking place in this country. i've read that jewish groups are making alliances with mexicans (because they remember germany). that the japanese remember the internment camps, and they too are looking at today's attitude toward mexicans with frightened eyes. "
sweetsunshine wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:19 AM:
" Seriously, 98& of the world (Yes, I said it No Borders Campers) disagrees with these folks. Let's seem them hit up Laredo, Texas with a protest. Let's seem them go south to Mexico and see what happens with THEIR border patrol. Go over to Europe and protest. You chose such a mild place, a place you knew there was no real chance to get hurt no matter what sketchy tactics you used. And in November. Why not come in July or August? We ALL KNOW these people came looking for a fight, looking to be made martyers out of. Sorry it didn't work out for you, No Borders Campers. Let's see you actually choose a dangerous place next time, not our town! "
blueboxer wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:32 AM:
" So are we critizing the Border Patrol for being to aggressive or smiling? Seems rather conflicting now doesn't it? The agent is smiling while being called the F-word and other profanities from these protestors who are washing their hands of any antagonizing they may have done. What reaction would you of preferred, the agent to yell, curse back, or keep his cool and laugh off their comments? Protesting peacefully and being unruly are two different things. The moment they elected to brush, bump, crowd, or prevent agents from doing their job is when they crossed that line. Again, would an average law abiding citizen conduct any of those actions against any law enforcment agent? No, so why should this community or anyone feel that these protestors be allowed to? The video shows individuals being tackled and subdued, never was anyone beaten. They also cited tasers, which BP doesn't even have or use. The protestors are hyping up the results of their actions and making up items on top of it. Next time let them protest in Mexico and see how they are treated in comparison. "
buren86 wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:41 AM:
" There are 2 sides or perspectives to every story. Are you the protestor looking to make a point while border patrol is pushing back and shooting at you with a pepper-spray gun? Are you an agent trying to do his/her job effectively while looking out for their own safety and that of their fellow officers? If you're an outsider looking in, you'll have your own biases and preconceived ideas to draw from and come up with your own conclusions, depending on past experiences. One thing is certain as I watched this video from the viewpoint of a protestor taking it: it's like something out of a movie, surreal and hard to believe. At one point the camera gets close enough to a border patrol agent to see him smiling while all this commotion is going on, as if he's enjoying or getting a kick out if it. What started this whole incident was a protestor dancing up and down while playing a bongo drum and getting too close to an agent who pushes back and eventually drags him to the ground. See the video for yourself by going to YouTube and entering "Police Brutality @ No Borders Camp". "
blueboxer wrote on Nov 13, 2007 11:57 PM:
" The IV Press has always seemed somewhat slanted in their views towards the Border Patrol in my opinion. This article comes slightly closer to being less biased, but as previously pointed out there is definately some verbage that is either poorly choosen or intentionally misleading. For instance, stating that the Border Patrol has yet to provide a sufficient narrative? I would think that any valid journalist would appreciate the fact that any agency would take the time to review the information, statements, and actions prior to issuing biased, emotional, or inaccurate statemenst such as the ones from the protestors. Or stating that the agents took a confrontational stance? What type of stance does the writter propose law enforcement officers should take in that situation? Perhaps he should write policy for law enforcement agencies stating that only friendly and hands behind your back stances used. As for stating that there was a breakdown in formation, I wasn't aware the IV Press provides its writers with tactics for crowd control let alone a high tension situation. These of course are my opinions, i just hope "professional" writers express facts. "
ramos5 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 11:19 PM:
" The Border Patrol Agent stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now Agent.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The Agent squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the border is awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the Agent waited quietly,
for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now Agent,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come guard on Heaven's gates,
you’ve done your time in hell"
"
socalmom wrote on Nov 13, 2007 10:19 PM:
" What a slanted article. I will not read another article by Victor Morales without remembering this one... Pay attention fellow readers.
There are too many examples of biased adjectives to count. What the heck? I watched the entire video from the noborders=nobrains website and it clearly shows them being the antagonizers, just trying to instigate a fight so that they could call foul. They were completely disrespectful. What a bunch of losers, that is all I got out of it. Go home, and choose no borders for the land that you have to rent or squat on; I seriously doubt that they own any. "
dudeski wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:33 PM:
" Amen Murkdog, excellent point 110854090953. Oscarb, what planet are you on man? "
blueboxer wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:08 PM:
" I am completely for individuals speaking their minds and expressing their opinions. However, if one chooses to do so, they should do so intelligently and respectfully. The protestors failed to do so the minute they resorted to graffitti, blocking traffic on Imperial Ave. to force people to take note of their view instead of allowing people to choose to, and by inticing law enforcement only to call foul afterwards. Their own video, again, shows that no one was "beaten" and it was their own members shouting profanities. Referring to law enforcement officers who assist in keeping drugs and criminals out as Nazis? To me all the above mutes whatever valid or heart felt message they may of wanted/tried to express. The fact that a local community that consists of mainly hispanics and immigrants failed to take note, participate, or support them says it all in my opinion. "
murkdog wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:55 PM:
" Listen folks these people do not care one bit about our community or our problems and issues. They were here to use us as a catalyst and get media attention. They only had about 100 people show up all week, but if you read their website they wanted over 1000. These people were supposed to come from our community but since no one cared they made something happen. We have lived with the border as long as many of us can remember and except for long waits at the port sometimes there is no problem. They wanted to use us to get national attention.which they did. When Christmas comes where will they be? When a disaster strikes where will they be? Ask yourself that. Ther Border Patrol is here everyday dealing with our problems keeping our coummunity safe and participating in our lives. When Christmas comes where is the Border Patrol, they are here, stepping up and giving and helping those less fortunate. When the next disaster strikes the Border Patrol will be there, putting thier lives at risk to save others, just like they do every day "
rlsciaky wrote on Nov 13, 2007 6:34 PM:
" Kill 'em all... Let God sort it out. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:25 PM:
" It also seems to me that the BP contacted the IV Press about the story, according to the way one of the articles reads. The IV Press was intelligent enough to print their comments, why didn't the AP seek out a statement from the BP? Another example of left-wing biased news media. I can except some bias if you at least present me with both sides of the story first. "
110854090953 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:25 PM:
" oscarb9, I believe that one of the main reasons we have high health care costs is the fact that the majority of health care costs are paid by those third party payee insurance companies. There is no incentive for consumers to be good shoppers. Couple that with laws that require hospitals to provide emergency care regardless of the patient's ability to pay and costs on the whole climb to the sky. Should you and I be forced to pay for somebody else's healthcare? That is an issue of socialism we may disagree on. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:21 PM:
" Oscar, the issue remains, how would YOU react. Forget what both sides represent. Look at one man against another man, who is a person of authority. That incident was what set the rest of it off. How would YOU have reacted as the person of authority? You say what the Border Patrol did was wrong. What is the right thing in that situation? It is easy to point out a wrong, but much harder to define the right. "
ay chiguagua wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:06 PM:
" We're getting off topic, so I'll say this: It is real obvious these no borders people wanted a physical conflict with the agents. And they got one. Now they're crying foul. They could have had a peaceful demonstration, but as you can clearly see, they intiated the conflict. The agents did their jobs. "
angel911 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:44 PM:
" so that explains why EC kicks so many illegals out the back door when bp is waiting at the front. It our U.S. unemployement that makes them do it...thanks oscarb9....... You must not be in any form of law enforcement. If you were you would understand why the bp did what they did and how much restraint they used.. They had every right to do more on the first day but tried to keep calm and hold back....They were overwhelmed and felt that the crowd could turn... Thus mace and forward action took place. "
living in imperial wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:28 PM:
" No one says the no borders people shouldn't have been allowed to protest. You can protest anything you want... you can even protest that you think rape and murder should be legalized. You can protest that you think Christianity should be outlawed and the national religion should be satanism. You can protest those things... go ahead. However, don't break the law in doing it. Murder and rape is against the law. It's fine for you to think rape and murder is ok, but it's not fine for you to rape or murder someone. It's fine for you to believe in satanic rituals, but it's not ok for you to commit a human sacrifice. It is fine for you to believe there should be no borders, but it is not fine for you to disrupt the peace and deface government property. -- Josh B. "
angel911 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:25 PM:
" How did the bp not do the right thing....I repeat that only one person was brought down and pepper ball mace was dispatched to control the crowd. I still think that bp showed excellent control and again point out that all was calm in the days leading up to this.. There was events that led up to the bp's increase numbers and more defensive positions on that day. I have know of men getting into worse fights b/c of someone being in there face shouting and shoving just as the demonstrators were doing. Also the bp was pinned between the fence and a large number of protestors, this too was a factor in their reaction. "
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:00 PM:
" Jmainga, it tells me that we are so desensitized to seeing these kind of abuses and we allow them to happen all the time. I do not justify if the protesters were braking the law, but the BP did not do the right thing either, just because they are government workers did not give them the right to act the way they did. It's been a while that we have stopped to ask if our government is doing the right job and this is another example. We don't question things anymore, and we allow them to continue for the trust that we have in them. Keep dreaming if you expect a comment from the BP, why would they want to stir the pot. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:46 PM:
" Okay, but you didn't answer my question as to how YOU would have responded as an agent on the scene. Also, all those reports are taken from an AP report, which only relates a comment by one of the protestors. Where is the Border Patrol's side of the story? Why wasn't a spokesman from the Border Patrol quoted in the story? Why doesn't CNN have this video posted on its website? O'Reilly and Hannity would give this attention, as they always have stories relating to the border and its various issues. An AP story reprinted in several newspapers is not enough to show me that this story is receiving national attention. Give me Neil Cavuto or Chris Matthews or Olbermann talking about this if it is such an outrage. And another thing, if this thing has been addressed by AP and none of the other major news bureaus have touched it, what does that tell you? "
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:32 PM:
" Jmaiga, you might want to use any search engine and type "Calexico protest" and see all the articles from different papers across the globe that talk about this. Unfortunately this is just another small case of abusive power that people so easily justify. You may want to remember that the media only reports what they feel will make money to them. Don't expect to see this in Fox News...... "
shogun30 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:31 PM:
" It was unfortunate that the NBC demonstrator's event had to end so negatively. Every agent in the Border Patrol takes an oath of office to defend the Constitution of the United States. In doing so, they defend the NBC's right to free speech, which the individual agent may not agree with, but defends none the less. The Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in the Imperial Valley allowed the NBC people to demonstrate nearly the whole week and did show leniency even when some laws were being broken by certain members of the group over the course of the week. On the final day, it seems that some members of the NBC began to break laws at which point the Border Patrol took action. The Border Patrol did what was appropriate given the circumstances to avoid chaos from erupting. I would urge the NBC leadership to show courage by confronting their members who only seek confrontation with those who defend our Constitution and laws. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:16 PM:
" Okay oscar, (assuming you saw the video) put yourself in the shoes of the agent being "assaulted" by the bongo-playing gentleman. How would you have reacted? If you were any one of those agents on the scene, how would you have handled things? Are police guilty of abuses? Yes, they obviously are. If the Border Patrol was so out of line, why is this story not receiving national media attention? Maybe it will in the future, but I think the lack of national media attention shows that maybe those agents responded correctly, and nothing news-worthy (as far as police brutality issues) really happened there. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:12 PM:
" Okay oscar, (assuming you saw the video) put yourself in the shoes of the agent being "assaulted" by the bongo-playing gentleman. How would you have reacted? If you were any one of those agents on the scene, how would you have handled things? Are police guilty of abuses? Yes, they obviously are. If the Border Patrol was so out of line, why is this storying not receiving national media attention? Maybe it will in the future, but I think the lack of national media attention shows that maybe those agents responded correctly, and nothing really news-worthy (as far as police brutality issues) really happened there. "
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:01 PM:
" Thanks Jmaiga, I did forget to spell check. Blondie, the issue here is not illegal immigration, but the reaction taken to the protests. You do have to remember that we do have the right to freedom of speech and assembly. I do not justify the protester if they destroyed property, but they did bring their point across. You keep on rambling on other areas. NOTHING justifies the force that was utilized by the BP. They did not know how to handle the situation. And to address your last point, remember that we do live in the county with the highest unemployment rate in the state along with the highest percentage per capita that lacks health insurance. That might explain the problems the EC Hospital is facing. "
flag291 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 2:51 PM:
" Sorry, but it is people like LINDSEY who have messed up this country. Consider yourself corrected..... "
blondie73 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 2:37 PM:
" I do research when it comes to the hospital and it is public knowledge so why dont you go and ask El Centro Regional - due to illegals how much medical is not paid. So let me see - what you are trying to say is just let the illegals come and go and do what they want and just look the other way. Look how mexicali looks they dont take pride in there country. What is your excuse on why didnt they get a permit if they wanted to protest, why did they put a border around there camp, why did they spray paint on the walls, why did they vandalize government property, why did they take an AMERICAN FLAG down and stump on it, why did they cut the fence and last why do they make signs that say F--K America. And you want to ask why millions of people dont want them here. Why are they special and deserve special treatment - why not come over here LEGALLY.Are you reading other peoples comments as well. "
jmaiga01 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 2:35 PM:
" You should proofread yourself oscarb9. What exactly is "come sense?" "
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 2:04 PM:
" Blondie, does it matter what I do for a living? I don't care what you do for you. It takes only come sense to view the injustice that took place. I do pay my share of taxes, and you again show your ignorance blaming illegals for the high cost of medical assistance. It's not illegals that drive up the costs, as studies have shown this, but the fact that the majority of our "legal" population does not have health insurance. Why don't you do more research before typing and if you do, please proofread your sentences. "
angel911 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:59 PM:
" they didn't have a permit to be down there?????????????? Why again were they allowed?? People get citations all the time for not having a permit, I sure hope the city fines them for it. "
blondie73 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:52 PM:
" Well said blueboxer "
calicoolguy21 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:34 PM:
" I like to eat beans with cheese. "
blueboxer wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:32 PM:
" Unfortunately, I think everyone has to take several things into consideration. Primarily that the video and comments from the protestors are not without bias or an accredited news agency. The video obviously has lapses and does not cover any incidents or actions prior to the scene becoming active. Also, these protestors fail to take into consideration that a good portion of the individuals crossing illegally are prior criminals that range from DUI to aggravated felons. Those are individuals I do not desire in my country, community, or home. I seriously doubt the protestors would welcome them into their home with their children and families either. To my knowledge the Border Patrol has never carried taser guns, yet the protestors make that claim. They also claim that individuals were beaten when the video shows only one single baton blow to a leg in order to get the individual onto the ground and controlled. After that not a single strike of any sort was used? Did I miss anything in the video other than their bias? "
blondie73 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:47 PM:
" Very good comments "jns101879 & e5ce6c1". To answer one of the questions - NO THEY WERE TOLD BY CALEXICO AND EL CENTRO CITY HALL TO APPLY AND THEY SAID "NO" TO ANY TYPE OF PERMIT - PUBLIC INFORMATION. Also if you go to there web sites you can see pictures and if they were so for this cause why were masks and if they are so against borders then why did they put a border around there tents. If they say because they didnt want anyone illegal trespassing the same goes for american borders. Ask ???? "
blondie73 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:39 PM:
" "oscarb9" bp/ice shows that they do there job and nothing else.What do you do for a living that gives you the right to justify or not to justify what force is.If you watch the video you see "ONE" protestor get hit once and that is it they were controlling the situation so know other band wagners would jump in. How do you know that they do to much force are you illegal?And as for Blonde-no I'm not I'm realistic.As for people working for less money they are not all illegals and I know for a FACT that the BP/ICE does raid field buses and make sure they are legally here.If you are a legal citizen why do you want your tax paying dollars going hospitals bills that the illegals have ran up.Why do we have to pay for ours and then theres.Like you said if they have money then why sneak in from any border why not come in legally and become a citizen.I have family that has came from Philippines and Italy and not by marriage and study and because American Citizens.There are ways they just have to ask and apply "
e5ce6c1 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:37 PM:
" Well, I briefly skimmed over most of the comments here. I can appreciate that both sides of the arguments have a comment. This is my comment:
Everyone has the right to protest. Now, did these people request a permit to protest? If they did request a permit, was one issued? Who was it issued to....? How about to set up the camp? Permit? Everyone has the right to protest, as long as it is done correctly.
Here is my other point. These people come into my town and disrupt my daily routine. They clog up my streets. They spray paint the walls. They come in here and make a mess of things....., and then they leave. If you want to protest, do it quietly. Ask me for permission. And, when you are done, clean up after yourselves. Get rid of the spray paint. Fix my walls. "
jns101879 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:29 PM:
" Ask the hippies why when asked by Mexicali PD to disperse, they immediatley did so and put up no fight. But as soon as they are asked to do something on the U.S. side they do nothing because they know they can sue on the U.S. side and they know that Mexicali PD will beat them relentless if they don't listen. If they stand for their cause, have some balls on both sides of the fence.
On the U.S. side they were allowed to protest and as soon as they laid hands on an Agent, the agents responded with necessary force.
Ask the hippies to put the entire video up, you know them pushing agents, just not the edited version of the agents responding. "
19661966 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:25 PM:
" unless they are giving out hotdogs/sodas why would anybody waste their time playing border patrol, these people misunderstand the definition of freedom- oh well... "
abelito wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:22 PM:
" There is no justification for breaking the law.....on either side. A thorough, impartial investigation is in order, not just a,"we'll look into it", and then let the inestigation "die off". The American people have a right to know what ACTUALLY happened that day. These people are Americans and have a right to due process, like it or not.
"
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:00 PM:
" To Blondie, no need to bring in 9/11, if anyone wants to come into the US that has money for backup they could come in from Canada. The current concern with "securing" our border, is because of the recession that our country is going into. Wait till the economy picks up again and let's see how they start turning their eyes the other way to allow more cheap labor come in. Stop being blind, or are you just making honor to your name "blondie". There was no need for the BP to use that much force, there's been countless of abuses from them and this is just another one. The protesters could have been arrested, but that much force was not required. The only thing that you can thank the bcp/ice is for again showing us that they don't know how to handle situations. "
m_mtz40 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 11:17 AM:
" The best way to tackle the problem is to address Mexico's national debt which has ballooned to unrealistic levels and kept the nation enslaved, poor and desperate enough to escape here. But how can this be changed when we ourselves are way over budget as well. Those are the real issues. "
robles wrote on Nov 13, 2007 10:58 AM:
" hey man "NO Comment from Gymjunkie"" Valley u have lost it...............tu amigo "MAN" "
robles wrote on Nov 13, 2007 10:50 AM:
" MAN Y KNOCK THE HIPPIES FLOWER POWER, BURN THE BRA,,,GET OUT OF NAM WERE R WE HEADED. LEGALIZE POT WE ALL WOULD BE HAPPIER..............MAN! "
nmrogers wrote on Nov 13, 2007 10:30 AM:
" I'm glad the BP did something.. you liberals have no idea what the Border Patrol deals with everyday. Spend a day in their shoes and we'll see how you feel. "
angel911 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 10:00 AM:
" I saw a link to the no border camp web site and it did show how even some of the protestors were ashamed of how their own acted.. here it is. http://noborderscamp.org/en/breaking-news#comments
I am glad it was brought to my attention and thought you might want to read it "
angel911 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:47 AM:
" Out of all of this I saw one man hit... ONE, and I also saw a large group of shouting protesters cornering the bp against the border fence and a scene that I don't think any of you anti-dhs would enjoy either. They needed to get control of the sitituation and did so with no major injuries.
0207 if you have had run in with bp than you must be doing something suspucious. Any yes every agency in the US has a few bad apples, that does not mean that every agent is bad. I am still amazed at the negative response some are giving and wonder if the agents that were hit before this had been shown on video would you still be so quick to point fingers. Think for a minute "why did the mood change on sunday compared to the days before?" Someone brought that up before and it does make you think about what happend before this outburst. "
blondie73 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:42 AM:
" To Solar - If you think that our Government is so terrible then why do you still live here in the States - go to Mexico and see why everyone is trying to come across the borders. There are some ignorant people in this world - how can you critize our government and the people that are trying to keep you and your families safe - or should we forget 9.1.1 so the opportunity can hit us again.I THANK OUR SERVICE MAN/WOMAN every day for protecting/fighting for our nation I dont thank hippie cowards just trying to get on video. Are you out there doing it -NO!There is never anything that we can call PERFECT but hats off to the ones that are trying at least. As for talking crap about BP(oscarb9)what do you do for a living - do you work -or just talk about the people that do there jobs.AS for letting them protest - protest but not destroy government property,spray point walls, etc - people get arrested for that so why shouldnt they just cause they are protestors - NOT. AGAIN I APPLAUSE BP/ICE/SERVICE MAN/WOMAN THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING OUR BORDERS "
wikiscogg wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:26 AM:
" I say those people got exactly what they deserved. "
cbf wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:12 AM:
" good job to bp and customs, all these were destroying government property and didnt get take n to jai? agents are well trained and did what they had to do....so to all that people protesting GET A LIFE "
Lindsey wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:10 AM:
" You know, I'm really sad to see the attitudes that a lot of people have on here. Would your reactions be different if these "hippies" were in their 40s or 50s? Were your reactions different 40 years ago when it was your friends, classmates, brothers and sisters? The people who traveled to Calexico with No Borders did so out of a desire to find an end to human suffering. Is compassion condemnable now? You don't agree with the way things were done. Could you do better? We all make mistakes in the way we handle situations and we all have different views and approaches, but stop being ageist. At least there are people in the United States who are still willing to stand up against the government for things they beleive in. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what our founding fathers did, isn't it? That's what they teach us at least. "
chungiz wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:04 AM:
" Just as human beings need to respect each others boundaries-the same goes for our countries. The U.S has been kind in the way that we-Hispanics-have been given great oportunites-Yes, we have worked for it, and yes, we have are hard workers and have been able to accomplish great things. However, we are still in the U.S, and just how we had to go by our parents rules when we lived under their roof, the same goes for living within the U.S. If someone does not like it, try going somewhere else, and just like every thing, things are not going to be perfect anywhere where we go. I would also like to mension, that if we are supposed to be adults, why is it so difficult to act like some. What do you think we are teaching children and youth by trying to solve-or getting a point across by using violence? What a shame, im serious. "
walram wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:53 AM:
" God Bless U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Agents who had to waste their time with this crap. I loved when the protesters called the agents "cowards". How funny is that? Do you have any idea what these agents deal with every day? They are the cowards???
These masked hippies want open borders so the drugs will flow into this country. The fact that the Border Patrol kept there cool as well as they did is proof of good training and self control. These idiot protestors were ordered numerous times to step back as clearly the video shows and refused trying to get a reaction from the officers. All of the protestors should have been arrested for inciting a riot and get to spend some time in jail. "
solar wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:37 AM:
" To bigin now,we do not and I say,we do not need borders that's stupid and ignorant that tells you what kind of goverment we have just like the war over irak.our goverment is just trying to cover his own tracks unfortunatlly our gov.is playing us for suckers so we can take sides and start a keos and at the end he will laugh at us.like soldiers manipulating us as he wishes.goverment grow up and let us be. "
0207 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:50 AM:
" I can state with personal knowledge that a few rotten apples in the Border Patrol beat US citizens and immigrants. They lose lawsuits and pay out millions and then admit no wrongdoing. In American there is such a thing as protest. So what if these people took the time and spent their own money to protest something. Big deal. Give them their space and let them leave. Clear rules of engagement would have been nice, but the Border Patrol officials I have dealt with are liars and incompetent. Totally excessive force. A one-week story will not be a trial and a lawsuit and the taxpayers will pay the bill. "
bluecat wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:36 AM:
" Let's see, they are defacing government property, assaulting federal officers and cutting holes in the border fence. How do they expect to be taken seriously? It sounds to me like the man hopping up and down, brushing up against the agent was antagonizing him and asking for it. I don't feel sorry for these people. "
aesco1 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:05 AM:
" Let me rephrase my last comment, Metiche. "
aesco1 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:02 AM:
" Wesley get a job, and a life. If you hang out at the border all the time it's either you work there, or your just being a chismoso. "
ThinkAboutIt wrote on Nov 13, 2007 6:39 AM:
" It seems to me that this group wanted attention so they started raising the level of their activities so they would get that attention. Now of course they want to complain about it. Again, it seems to be part of the plan. "
ericajo wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:47 AM:
" It is obvious that these low lifes were asking for a good spanking! The public needs to understand that these fools come to our town to cause problems and run amok without consequences. Don't these people have jobs or places to be. Our Border Patrol men and women are the best! The Agents should not let these idiots to cause havoc in our community! "
cubano wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:13 AM:
" What people don't know is that this people vandalized the Border Patrol Sector sign on Imperial Ave in El Centro and were now cutting holes on the international fence in Calexico. I like the sound of the pepper ball gun on the video, Get some... Get some... "
ekiumy wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:53 AM:
" andily guey!! "
oscarb9 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:33 AM:
" Shame on the border patrol, abusing power as usual. "
chevr1967 wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:08 AM:
" That is what is great about this country, they have the right to do that, jk6672 "
wesley wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:07 AM:
" The IV Press gave both viewpoints in this article. Protestors' and the Border Patrol's Info Officer were quoted alike. I think the IVP has for the most part been fair when reporting on the Border Patrol. I would like to see more investigative reporting though. I frequently go down to the border around Calexico and you would not believe the chaos that happens on a nightly basis. "
burn33 wrote on Nov 12, 2007 11:42 PM:
" "demonstrator brushed up against", and "agents advanced at will", "wrestled" and "tackling a demonstrator that appeared to be fleeing". Staff writer Victor Morales applies a thin veil in his bias towards the story. Much more appropriate adjectives could be used, as well as getting your information from sources other than the 'victims' video. A video that had either editing done to it, or has very suspicious gaps in recording, however pessimistic one wants to look at it. "
wesley wrote on Nov 12, 2007 11:35 PM:
" The stinkies were actually talking about going down to the Mexican/Guatemala border. I think it was just for the benefit of the STERN reporter and the Border Patrol because there is no way they would go down and protest in a 3rd world nation that actually is tough on demonstrators. The No Borders Camp (NBC) are nothing but cowards. "
jk6672 wrote on Nov 12, 2007 11:21 PM:
" how could they expect anything less from our nations gaurdians after defacing our nations boarder. Those hippies need to go live in another country and see how long they last with that kind of behavior. "
wesley wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:53 PM:
" LOL, beat that nasty hippie down! Hahahahaha. Wow, I love those agents. I know I sound mean. But that's because you don't know anything. Those agents really gave those filthy communists a break. I have been down in the Calexico area countless times and have seen those agent in action. Those Border Patrol guys and gals are hardened streetfighters bound with politically correct handcuffs. It is simply amazing to watch one agent take on 10 or 15 criminals and not have to resort to shooting anyone. What the NBC recieved from those warriors was a blessing. If the Border Patrol or the government was anywhere near being fascist as NB claims, all those nasty hippie protestors would be nothing but stinking grease spots under tanks treads. "
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Viva Calexico wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:22 PM: