I haven't done much illegal immigrant blogging of late, but I plan to do a few entries a week just to keep it at the forefront. I'll either use articles posted by members of the Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (such as this entry below) or write my own. I think it's an important issue and we need to keep it in front of us.
***Originally Posted at Right Truth***
The Mexican Consulate wants the FBI to investigate the "wrongful death" of a Mexican national in Shelbyville Tennessee. Shelbyville Officer James Wilkerson shot and killed Fermin Estrada in March 2006, AFTER Fermin fired towards the officers. The officers identified themselves as police, but the family of Fermin Estrada say their relative was shot for no reason and that the police failed to identify themselves. (News Channel 5.com, hat tip stickNstein)
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted the inquiry into the shooting. Estrada is said to be a US citizen, so why is the Mexican Consulate involved in this? Why is Mr. Estrada referred to as a Mexican national if he is a United States citizen? This sounds like a law enforcement situation and the Mexican Consulate should have no voice in what happens.
The officers responded to a complaint from Shannon Stephens of Cedar River Road on the afternoon of March 18, who reported seeing three men at her dog pen, one had a pistol. Estrada "started raising his weapon in our direction while still firing his weapon," Davis said in a report made that evening for the police department.
Fermin Estrada, 47, was shot on his property near his home during a party with out-of-state guests and relatives who were being shown his property where, according to police, he had fired his hand gun into the ground and "did turn and fire toward the officers... Officer [James] Wilkerson did return fire striking the subject and killing him." (source)
Estrada's family filed, a $50 million wrongful death suit against the city, its police department and the officer who fired his city-provided assault rifle. Estrada's children, William, Ezekiel, Fermin Jr., Erik and Patricia, are represented by Bogatin Law Firm attorneys Stephen King and Charles Blatteis.
The complaint going to the federal court describes Estrada as someone who is well-known as a leader of the Hispanic business community to city police, including Wilkerson. Fermin Estrada had, on numerous occasions, acted as a translator for the police and courts to translate between governmental officials and Spanish speaking residents, the complaint states. (source)
The official reports say Estrada's 'blood alcohol level at .18 -- more than twice the level at which the law sees an individual's ability to drive as impaired. The report also concludes Estrada did "assault on officer," and the shooting was "justifiable homicide" and Estrada "attacked police officer and that officer killed criminal." Wilkerson carried his city AR 15 assault rife.
Tyson Foods employee Rafael De la Paz of Shelbyville was with Fermin Estrada when he was shot. With attorney Blatteis interpreting, "I did not see him shoot at the police...". Interpreting? He didn't speak English? He worked for Tyson Foods??? 'Blatteis said the lawsuit is to provide the Estrada family "peace of mind" and to "vindicate Mr. Estrada."' I guess the $50 million has nothing to do with it?
"It's tragic whenever a person loses their life," [District Attorney Chuck] Crawford said. "However, upon reviewing the TBI investigation, [it seems] the officer's actions were reasonable. (Shelbyville Times Gazette)
It seems the TBI did an appropriate investigation. So what authority does the Mexican Consulate have in a police matter inside the United States? None.
**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email stiknstein-at-gmail-dot-com and let us know at what level you would like to participate.
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VW
The FBI falls under the Justice Department and the Justice Department works for President Bush. As things roll down hill, the Justice Department (FBI) will investigate just like they investigated the Border Patrol agents who shot an armed drug runner who entered the US illegally. The Mexican Consulate has a much power as President Bush gives them and right now they have bunches.
Posted by: BobF | Monday, February 19, 2007 at 17:54
Here's another cop who used a weapon to defend himself against a car load of illegal criminals, was cleared by the Texas Rangers and ATF but one year later, Pres Bush's Justice Department opens the case and sends the man to prison.
http://www.firesociety.com/article/10121/?src=111
Posted by: BobF | Monday, February 19, 2007 at 18:17
I have a papercut from filling out paperwork for federal benefits, can I sue the feds????
Posted by: canuckistani | Monday, February 19, 2007 at 18:31
Bob,
If there is one area that I vehemntly disagree with Bush, immigration would be the one.
C,
Sure, you can sue the feds, as long as it is the Canadian Feds!
VW
Posted by: Violence Worker | Monday, February 19, 2007 at 18:43
From the US State Department website, here is why the Mexican Consulate is getting involved:
Mexican law recognizes dual nationality for Mexicans by birth, meaning those born in Mexico or born abroad to Mexican parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican nationals are considered to be Mexican by local authorities. Dual-nationality status could hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide consular protection. Dual nationals are not subject to compulsory military service in Mexico. Travelers possessing both U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry with them proof of their citizenship of both countries. Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican. Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must enter U.S. territory with documents proving U.S. citizenship.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html
Posted by: BobF | Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 04:18