Illegal Immigrants Say They're Afraid to Cooperate With Law Enforcement in Miramonte Abuse Case

Image via Miramonte Elementary

Some parents of students at Miramonte Elementary School have said that because they're illegal immigrants, they are afraid to cooperate with law enforcement in the Miramonte abuse scandal—despite pleas from the sheriff's department.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of L.A. (they're the ones who said John & Ken listeners made threatening calls to them) has been coordinating with two attorneys bringing eight suits against LAUSD in the Miramonte abuse scandal. The attorneys each released statements earlier today calling upon the sheriff's department to go out of its way to let illegal immigrants know that it is okay for them to cooperate with authorities without fear of deportation.

The director of CHIRLA Angelica Salas said this in a statement:

"We also call on Sheriff Baca to immediately offer in writing guarantees that his department will not take any action against any of the parents or children who seek support and may also be unauthorized immigrants. The Sheriff’s enthusiastic support of the so-called 'Secure Communities' program is troubling and may hinder progress in this investigation unless he goes to extreme measures to inform the community they have nothing to fear. Our collective efforts must be predicated on keeping our children and our community free from fear and accessing the services and help they will most certainly need for a long time to come."

Sgt. Dan Scott of the sheriff's department told KPCC that anyone who comes forward with info about the case won't be put at risk: “They have Sheriff Lee Baca’s word that there will not be prosecution or even inquiries into anybody’s legal status in this country. We are seeking victims, witnesses, or anybody that has information about this case to please come forward to the Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit, which is our normal process. We will not ask their legal status. The Sheriff specifically wants that message out: We will not be inquiring as to their legal status.”

Some of the parents said that despite the department's assurances, they're still worried. Raymundo, the undocumented father of a girl at Miramonte, told KPCC it's difficult for him to trust law enforcement: “That is what they say, but it’s one thing that they say it and another that they do it. I don’t trust them. If I had a ferocious pit bull at home, and I told you to come in, it won’t bite, what would you do?"

That is why Raymundo has been working through an attorney rather than going directly to law enforcement, in this case. Illegal immigrants who are the victims of crimes can also apply for a U-visa, which KPCC reports some parents at Miramonte are doing.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@laist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Emma G. Gallegos in News on February 9, 2012 5:30 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

David_Barron

I'm an LA public servant, law enforcement. Aliens who are not here legally have no fear of law enforcement. I've handled the Spanish speaking in-coming complaints for 13 years, and visit with them in person in their homes. The only folks they're afraid of are the neighborhood gangs, not law enforcement. And, they usually don't call police, becuse they say they take too long to respond.

They are well informed that they live in a 'sanctuary city' and that law enforcement won't bother them about their resident status. That's why so many of them, especially the illegal street vendors, don't carry any identification. They've learned it's a waste of time and money for the city to cite them, when we don't know who they are.

LAUSD, and union leaders shouldn't interfere in an investigation being conducted by a qualified Human Resources Director and law enforcement.

For the benefit of the young students in the care of LAUSD, or even it's employees, parent's, voters and management, should encourage legislators to pass an ordinance that would make it a crime for a supervisor or management to interfere in an HR investigation of an employee(s). Such laws will prevent supervisors from protecting 'favorite' employees and also avoid retaliation against employees and those who may be apprehensive about reporting criminal or bad behavior.

david barron, facebk

magyart

I believe the police are simply interested in working the sexual abuse case, and not intersted in illegal immigration. After all, this is Calif., Mexico's largest colony.

This is as good a reason as any for securing the border and enforcing immigration laws. Ilegal residents simply don't want ANY law applied to them. Their entire life is lawless.

Estoban

"Give me immunity for my crimes, maybe even amnesty, or else I'm willing to sacrifice your children and my own to these pedophiles by not lifting a finger to bring them to justice." So say the illegal aliens with their 'strong family' values.

Shiloh

"Some parents of students at Miramonte Elementary School have said that because they're illegal immigrants, they are afraid to cooperate with law enforcement..........." This is is just one more good reason for people not to come here illegaly. I expect there are numerous situations like this where they have made their children vulnerable. They owe them more. What kind of morals and prinicpals do they teach their children when they must lie, hide, and cheat to get through each day? It simply can't be worth it in the final analysis. Is this the kind of people we want for future American citizens?