August 17, 2007

Phoenix - Leaders from You Don't Speak for Me (YDSFM) an American civil rights organization of Hispanics opposed to illegal immigration will hold a Newark, New Jersey press conference with Rep Tom Tancredo (R-CO) on Monday, August 20 charging that politically motivated policies that shield illegal aliens have made local officials complicit in the brutal murders last week of three college students. Sanctuary policies that explicitly bar local police from seeking and sharing information about a suspect's immigration status allowed Jose Carranza, an illegal alien from Peru, to remain in this country, leading directly to the murders of Terrance Aeriel, Dashon Harvey and Iofeme Hightower, and critically wounding Natasha Aeriel.

In spite of other serious charges pending against Carranza, including an alleged rape of a five-year-old, New Jersey officials failed to investigate his immigration status, or share information with federal authorities. Had this information been sought, Carranza would not have been released on bail, and four young lives would not have been shattered.

"All across the country, local officials have adopted policies that bar police from inquiring or acting on information about immigration status and innocent people are paying for this sort of political pandering with their lives," charged Retired Colonel Al Rodriguez, chairman of YDSFM. "The tragedy in Newark is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident."

When: Monday, August 20, 2007, 12:30PM to 1:30PM

Where: Steps of Newark City Hall, 920 Broad St, Newark, NJ, 07102

Who: Al Rodriguez, Chairman, You Don't Speak for Me
Mariann Davies, Vice Chairman, You Don't Speak for Me
Tom Tancredo, U.S. Congressman from Colorado

Contact: Miguel Cruz, Executive Director of You Don't Speak for Me