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CC - 2002-30 - Persuade Mexico to Reverse its Current Extradition Policy Toward those Accuse of Crimes in the United StatesRESOLUTION NO 2002 -30 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD CALLING UPON THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO USE ALL DIPLOMATIC MEANS AVAILABLE TO PERSUADE MEXICO TO REVERSE ITS CURRENT EXTRADITION POLICY TOWARD THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES THAT MAY CARRY A LIFE IN PRISON OR DEATH SENTENCE PENALTY IN THE UNITED STATES WHEREAS, the Preamble to the United States Constitution lists providing for the "common defense" as one reason for forming our national government; and WHEREAS, the Constitution prohibits states and local governments from entering into treaties with foreign governments to protect their citizens and arrange extradition for criminals; and WHEREAS, the "Extradition Treaty" allows Mexico to refuse to extradite a fugitive if the United States courts charge the suspect with a capital offense, and now the Mexican Supreme Court has recently ruled that Mexico will not extradite criminals who face a life sentence in the United States; and WHEREAS, this restriction provides a safe haven for those who commit the most serious crimes, including murder and terrorist acts; and WHEREAS, any surviving conspirator who participated in the September I Vh attack on America would enjoy the protection provided by the Mexican courts; and WHEREAS, officials estimate that more than 60 suspected killers from Los Angeles County alone are in Mexico, along with countless more individuals who are suspected of rape, child molestation, attempted murder, and other serious, violent crimes; and WHEREAS, the person responsible for the April 29, 2002, murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy David March is believed to have fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution; and WHEREAS, the existence of a Mexican safe haven for these most heinous criminals presents an enormous challenge for border states seeking to defend their citizens; and WHEREAS, the Attorney General from each of the 50 states has asked United States Attorney General John Ashcroft and United States Secretary of State • 0 Colin Powell to address this extradition issue with their counterparts in Mexico; and WHEREAS, the resolution of this issue is critical to defending our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the City Council of the City of Rosemead calls upon President George W. Bush, and Members of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives to use all diplomatic means at their disposal to insist that the "Extradition Treaty" be revised to resolve the critical issue of the extradition of those suspected of committing serious and violent crimes against people in the United States. The foregoing resolution was passed by the City Council of Rosemead this 9h day of July, 2002. 1 @: I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2002 -30 was duly and regularly adopted by the Rosemead City Council at a regular meeting held on ATTEST: the 9th day of July 2002, by the following vote: CITY CLERR Yes: Clark, Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial No: none, Absent: Bruesch, Abstain: none City Clerk e • STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF ROSEMEAD I, Nancy Valderrama, City Clerk of the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2002 -30 being: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD CALLING UPON THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO USE ALL DIPLOMATIC MEANS AVAILABLE TO PERSUADE MEXICO TO REVERSE ITS CURRENT EXTRADITION POLICY TOWARD THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES THAT MAY CARRY A LIFE IN PRISON OR DEATH SENTENCE PENALTY IN THE UNITED STATES was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council on the 9th day of July, 2002, by the following vote to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: IMPERIAL, CLARK, VASQUEZ, TAYLOR NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: BRUESCH a NANCY VALDERRAMA, CITY CLERK AGENDA - CERTIFY �J MAYOR: �l/• �J/ t`(( � es'e e'ad . ROBERT BRUESOH t\ I `(� J -- MAYOR PRO TEM: a \\ - JOE VASOUEZ COUNCILMEMBEPS: ® 8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD • P.O. BOX 399 MARGARET CLARK •��' ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA 91770 JAYT. IMPERIAL _ TELEPHONE (626) 569 -2100 _ GARY A. rnvLGR FAX (626) 307 -9218 _ July 2, 2002 The Honorable Neil Abercrombie U.S. House of Representatives 1502 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 -1101 Dear Honorable Abercrombie: Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley. We discussed the very serious issue involving the need for much stronger levels of cooperation between Mexico and the United States when enforcing laws that exist in both countries relating to the prosecution of known criminals. The situation whereby an illegal alien who breaks U.S. laws is simply deported and the same individual is allowed . to roam free and altogether avoid extradition from Mexico is wrong and completely out of control. If this untenable situation did not exist, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy David March, who was allegedly murdered by Mexican fugitive Armando Garcia, would still be alive. As an elected official who is a lifelong Democrat of Hispanic origin, I strongly encourage you and your colleagues to develop and approve legislation that will prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening over and over again. As you can tell from the newspaper articles that I am enclosing, my sentiments are shared by many others from all walks of life, ethnic origin and professional background. Sincerely, g E VASQUE yor Pro Tem City of Rosemead cc: Members -U.S. House of Representatives �t . -,",.a 5.4N G.4BRIEL y.41 T F1' T1afBUfiE' . E , }`� 1 MONDAY, MAY Z0. 2002 - Mexic6a, Join , =war on crime.. W ' E join those out* while here. i raged that a felon In addition to refusing to departed three extradite Mexican nationals to times was back in stand teal in the United States the county illegally _ if there's a chance prosecutor only to murder a police officer. will seek the death penalty, the On his last foray into Mexican Supreme Court has - California Armando Garcia a - ruled that crhinals also will Mexican national, allegedly not be returned to the United shot and killed a local police States if they face life in prison. officer in what should have This policy shows little regard been a routine traffic stop. for American life and increas. If nothing ingly serves as else convinces Efforts must be made a direct escape President Bush route for those that more than on both sides of the who commit trade agree- - Mexican border to heinous crimes menu are need, in California ed with Mexico: prevent tragedies like In the case the execution of. the recent murder of March's' Lobs Angeles killer. the County of Los Angeles County United States . Sheriffs - itself was cul- Deputy David Sheriff's Deputy pable in allow. March on April David March. ing Garcia to 29 should. Over. - skip punish- . -haul of policies -ment for c.^hni- regarding deportation. extradi- nal activity when he was tion and border security are ' deported to Maxim in 1952, . "vital 1994 and 2001. Incredulously, . We applaud the fingerprint. the then -U.S. attorney in Ing system soon to be imple- charge of the rase deported mented by the Immigration Garcia without penalty. and Naturalization Service. Congress needs to set a hard That would have added to law rule.against such capricious edorcement's arsenal for decisions — fast. The United apprehending illegals wanted .States must demand prison for criminal activity. time for all those who commit Or as county Supervisor serious crimes in this country. - Michael Antonovich noted Here's why. The murder of Garcia could very well have the 33-year-old Temple Station been arrested and in jail Y that deputy rapped a string of had occurred once Garcia m crimes over the past seven entered the United States, the months by Garcia that33- year -0ld deputy assigned to includ- ed weapons violations and two .the Temple Station would most ' attempted murders. likely still be alive Sadly, we can't rewrite that . And while Maxican authori. short shameful hismr;, but ties have indicated they will President Bush and Gov. Gray '•operate" in the apprehen- .Davis must work toward estab• sion of Garcia. its clear - fishing realistic extradition Mexido's governing authority .._ and deportation policies. Too fails in take the killing of many California families have . Americans seriously. The been left grieving by those who United States must enter our country illegally and Until we have extradition prev upon the law- abiding. and deportation policies that Mexican President Vicente make sense, California must - Fox has had much to say about keep these criminals behind the United States giving •bars. That's the trade agree- ; amnesty to his peooie who ment needed now. Either keep have entered the couatr: ille- . your criminals securely locked F gaily, but he has offered little away. President Fax, or in return, especially when it offer financial aid to keep them comes to punishment of those in prisons on this side of the .: itih0:^aTrt; i1- CR ;i.!rn"r,'laa� tr�e:e.,- f "77i(buNe -- M�� ao,acz�a. -Laws set aside In response to Ierte:s "hum .'' Yvonne Maria Jimenez and Ray. Gutie:rer What part of illegal '. don't thegundersmad? We are . ... supposedly a nation of laws. but . more and more these laws mean nothing. - Do they think today's =oil- - grants are the lust group to come - here seeking a new life, not know ing the language and breaking .. their back to put food on the able? Immig=. is have always "filled jobs that most Americans don't .. want." scrubbing tloorsandwait ing tables even before them was a minimum wage But immigrants of the past wanted to be . :.Americans enough to obey our laws and fallow the proper prom . dures.to become an Americon citi- zen. . Why should hnmigraus of today bother to follow our laws ..(immigration or otherwise) if - plenty of them simply go around. . the law with no consequences. It is. not fair for the immigrants who do . bother to go through the proper .. channels. With all the benefits ille• •gal immigrants am entitled.m (Le..... lower tuition for stare colleges), why should they become America citizens at all? Even though all people'aegal or r_ not) have rights, when did - Ameriian taxpayers suddenly become obligated to support illegal 'immigrants with services meant = for Americans? . In California, up to 40 percent of births in public (taxpayer fund - ed) hospitals are to illegal aliens Sheriff Lee Baca has said as many - - as 26 percent of Los Anger County Jail i aimms are illegal . . : aliens.: . If an illegal immigrant is on thl ` . .ran from the law, such as the man .. suspected of shooting Sheriffs - c' Deputy David March on April in Irwindale, he cur simply gti ._hack home, where his gover7meci n 7.w111 not extradite him to a= o i � authorities. - -- I am not anti= ..., " tnomicaenefIda A _ 'recognize the economic benefits 'e . that immigrants bring. But I also . understand the benefits of a socie. ty of laws, and how that society can break down when those laws are so easily disregarded - Atar SmDs - GLEwoaA MAYOR: ROBERT W. BRUESCH ' MAYOR PRO TEM: JOE VASQUEZ COUNCILMEMBERS: MARGARET CLARK JAY T. IMPERIAL GARY A. TAYLOR July 3, 2002 OSCfflead 8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD • P.O. BOX 399 .ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA 91770 TELEPHONE (626) 569 -2100 FAX (626) 307 -9218 _. The Honorable Neil Abercrombie U.S. House of Representatives 1502 Lon.-Worth House Office Building Washington, DC'205 1 5 -1 101 Dear Honorable Abercrombie: I am a Councilmember in Rosemead, California with a very deep concern about the trends in our relations with Mexico. Having recently attended the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Memorial March honoring fallen deputies, I feel compelled to write about the trauma our community has suffered in the cold- blooded murder of David March, one of our beloved Sheriff s deputies, by an undocumented criminal alien. I have included articles which state that the accused killer was deported to Mexico for violent criminal activities in 1992, 1994, and 2001. I find it extremely disturbing that Mexico will not extradite criminals if we ask for the death penalty, under the 1978 U.S.- Mexican Extradition Treaty. In conversation with L. A. County District Attorney Steve. Cooley, I was outraged to hear that since October 2001, Mexico will not even extradite criminals if we ask for life imprisonment! These policies put all of us who live close to the border in extreme . danger. If murderers know they will not even face life in prison for such atrocities, if they.drive a mere couple of hours to their safe haven, every law abiding citizen from California to Texas is in jeopardy. -I was therefore outraged to read the article "Mexican Officials Express Concern", in which "Mexican legislators were adamant in their insistence that the issue (of a migration agreement) needs to be revived - soon." My question to you is "Who is in the driver's seat here ?" I would implore you to insist that the provisions of the 1978 Extradition Treaty which allow Mexico's refusal to extradite in death penalty or life imprisonment, be nullified before any further negotiations with Mexico continue. Sincerely, 0-�- MARGARET CLARK Councilwoman City of Rosemead cc: Members — U.S. House of. Representatives JL.AJ a Tuesday, May / 200); ♦ w�csa �LLU�C�r`VV �i111�V1: -.,e l.lV V1 l:�l.l � V;.; 1.11111;17 ., ' ■County Super�ISOr � , , . ..,. :f a .- l ' . �MONDAY,MAY6,2002- .' -, p ■ The search for the sus' Mike :Antonovich will take petted killer leads to a - �_ questions about murder his complaint to INS din dead -end in Temple City on -�� Concerning the murder of ector in Washinb on, D:C: Monday. Story / A4 r v - Deputy David March, I have one. question: why was an ' undocu -" By Rick Orlov and Maranne Love..'.. Immigration and Naturalization zf; - mented" alien who is suspected of < Service to- ;discuss the: case two- murders and arrested for pos- 3taer Wwrsas - involving 'suspected killer session of a loaded gun still on our With the 'shooting death -of a Armando Garcia. ■ Shenffs Deputy David March 'left, streets? . sheriffs deputy last week;. Los. Garcia,. 25, is being sou ht in g g was fatal) shot durin a traffic stop in, y g Can we make those responsible Angeles County:Supervnsor Mike connection with the slaying of Irwindale. Officials suspect Armando for this travesty answer this ques- Antonovich said Monday he is . Los Angeles County:Sheriffs.. Garcia, right, in the Wiling. : tion? using a scheduled trip toW'ash•. Deputv. David March, 33, of .: Tom G. Mooee ington, D.C., to complain about Saugus, during a routine. traffic ::sit would have been in pnson . Cot2*IA the failed enforcement of imml stop in hwindale. He was buried and not on the streets." pation laws — with full honors Saturday. March INS officials said they could not Antonovich," who flewa to. ':.worked.out of the sheriffs Tem -. - confirm Antonovich's assertions,.. Washington, with other board Ole Station and referred all inquiries to the members to meet with officials,,; - "Garcia had" been deported sheriffs Headquarters Bureau in i during the supervisors' annual ;;, three times for criminal activity . Monterey Park Antonovich said records provid- lobbying trip .to the nation's caps before, returning to .the United ". "Had his office showed Garcia had tal, said he is scheduled to confer States, Antonovich said. ed with James Ziglar, director of the. the INS enforced federal law, this,,,-, "- :Please turn to INS / A6 INS 'Naturally I would be upset to hear that because I would obvr De Laduramey said he's heard vent future mcidents of cases of deported people com "There's not, enough we can ously prefer he not encounter, my ing back to the United States in . do," said..' At one tune, deputy out in the field," Abner the past. .. people came here to work Unfor -' Accused cop - killer. ".: said. "Certainly, anything that. It makes me upset rve gone- hniately, its not the case all the . would have prevented (Garcia's) 1. to too many funerals where police time anymore -; -' deported 3 times release or having him out on the officers have been murdered and. Officials at the sheriffs Head - streets would have been better. We want to see him apprehended - it seems Ilike almost without quarters Bureau m Monterey:. exception there is something we Continued from Al 'before there's some other oppor- , Park said they could not tom {. should have known." he said. . - . Parks i they could co - war- been d iced on narcotics viola- amity for him to hurt a citizen. or "'. another.police officer." The chief said he wasn't ried about Irwurdale's reputation because they were not familiar tions from Los Angeles in I992, Garcia, an undocumented in light of last week's tragedy. He with his prosecution or what -the 1994 and 2001. Upon re -entry to : Mexican immigrant, is also want- said it could have happened any - INS may have failed to do. the United States, Garcia should ed by the Baldwin Park police in ..where... ' ,' "We hope the suspect is quick - have been imprisoned he said. connection. with two attempted ; . "We.could have been the one ly apprehended We do hope he is The supervisor said he will murders an Nov. 18, 2001 and Feb -. to stop him" De Ladurantey said . 'quickly apprehended and urge Ziglar to immediately ImPle- 16, 2002 and by II Monte police on .. "It could have been any of my cdh -. brought to justice," Sgt Ron Fren- ment a program that allows law . a weapons charge, cers. When you look throughout Strom said enforcement agencies to target . 'Tm appalled that this is the. . the county, there's no community and identify illegal immigrants rase. Whafs the purpose of depor- safe from this senseless violence." Rick Orlon can be reached at the for arrest Capt. Roberta Abner of the tation if (the INS) doesn't (do their job) ?" Irwindale police Chief Joe Chief hen Weldon of 713Z90. Marianne Lo El Monte Police Department 818 ) la '. Temple Station said the fact that De Ladurantey said "My under - called March's death a tragedy reached a2 (626) 9628811, Fxt 2108,, or by a -mail at Garcia was deported was news to standing is that this guy came back forth at his leisure." and said law enforcement must work closely with the INS to pre marianne.loue��s,�vn.rom her, and xaean f ficia�ls L. express A y . -concerns ^ByduheWatsoR :,, Y , ASSOCIATSa PRESS w- 1 GUANAJUATO Me)uco= McXIcit lawmakers said Saturday they want a sign the United States wily restart stalled Wks on an imuu gration agreement, but U.S: Ieps; lators warned that s not likely to happen any- time soon. i§' Twenty :Mex- p ican lawfi ak-.. ers, including r seven senators met with their U S " "'counter =" parts. for the second day of. a . ..: two- day„renn This realty? ion in.the cen . r� i , 1 tray ,colonial wasAhe best. city of Guanaju- and Inost`. a ' k ato to talk about bilateral issues . successful; 7 many:of which tneetln ., were shelved by g il the Sept 11 ter. Prep David ro -rist attacks f1rew; Also taking Part . in;- the meeting °.,were " U.S. Sens. Christopher Dodd, p. and 13 members of the U.S. Hbuseiof Representatives. This really was .the st and most successful meeting, said ;Rep David Dreier ,Rouma who has attended U S vlexicad inter• P.arliamentary sessions for 22 SAN GXBRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE SIIH AY, MAY 19. 2002 pmri,LrI w were negotiating a major agree- ment to legalize mMions of Mai- can migrants in the United States and dramatically increase the IIT mi6ration Pact n number of U.S. guest worker ID v visas issued to M shifted toward securing the U.S. . Mexico border and restricting Continued from Bi M immigrant visas. With the elections looming, the U.S. congressional elections f few U.S.-legislators want to touch in November "are very slim" t the idea of regularizing the status.: "Given the events of 9/11,. the. o of - millions of. people who have American public just isn't ready b broken the law to get into the yet;' Kolbe had said earlier in the c country;' said George Grayson, a meeting. M Mexico expert at the College of Mexican legislators were W William g Mary in Williamsburg, adamant in their insistence that Va. U the issue needs to be revived — V United States, for now, . soon • w wants to focus on issues such as "Many Mexicans are dying b border security, : while crossing the border. How B But Rep. Howard Berman,: many more need to die before we D D -Calif said that it is crucial for get back to this ?" said Mexican p president George W. Bush to get. Rep. Marti Batres of the leftist t the immigration issue back on: Democratic Revolution Party. t the negotiating table because it is "It can't wait for the Novem- , ,rim to ensuring Mexico's Cooper- her elections," added National a ation on border security. Action Rep. Jose Carlos Borunda . ...•Our efforts on border sec Mexican legislators said the t t y � be enhanced massively if United States could send a posi- . . Mexico is our partner," he said: tive sign by approving a bill ' 'Wexico can only be our partner illegal migrants to w we address. the issues of con- Vsome i tern to their agenda ". their residency paperwork is . . being Processed '' . . .-�- U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon; R -Utah, said that it was likely. , , Congress would approve the bill by year's end and that he also hopes to see progress on the legal- , , ization of Mexican farm workers . . in the United States. . But in terms of any major advances on migration issues, . ., U.S. legislators said their counter- parts would have to be Patient . B f r years. e ° Dreier said the bi a dis- the United States and:Mexico agreementr were amongUtS:'law- . makers an the issues of amnesty for illegal Mexican migrants and guest- worker programs for. Mexi- cans. . Mexican Rep. Felipe Calderon, of President Vicente Foes Nation-' al Action Party, sal d:the.Mexican delegates succeeded in conveying . ' . the-urgency of mug ati merit but Rep Jm.Iiilb ;. TnoA that Oho niiancps -nf -anv