Stith robo-call update
Nicomachus has a recording of the "white" version of Thomas Stith's robo-call.
Give it a listen.
UPDATE: Here's a transcript:
Anybody have a recording or transcript of the "black"version, where Stith reprotedly says that he "knows what it's like to be pulled over by the police because of the color" of his skin? We'd like to get one of those up as well.
Therre's nothing on tonight's agenda about Stith's proposed resolution, so it'll have to be done as a new business item if it's done at all. According to other City Council members, this item was discussed at the work session, and is on the agenda for the next work session. So one might legitimately raise the question as to why Thomas Stith is so anxious to bring this up tonight. Is it an effort to turn a City Council meeting into a campaign rally? Get some free media coverage for his campaign?
There's a good discussion at Kevin's place as to whether or not Stith's comments even accurately reflect current Durham policy. It's clear to me, regardless of how the specific resolutions and policies are parsed, that this is fear-mongering of the first water. It's not the Durham i've grown to love in the 14 years i've been here. It's especially disappointing to hear these kinds of things coming from a candidate with a long family history of the pursuit of social justice in Durham and North Carolina.
Maybe it would be a good idea for lots of community members to show up for tonight's meeting.
UPDATE II: For educational purposes, I've posted the text of Steve Chalmers order #4073, which spells out how the Durham Police Department has been interpreting the City Council resolution of 2003, in the comments. You be the judge as to whether or not this makes Durham "a city where illegal immigrants commit crimes without fear of being deported."
Give it a listen.
UPDATE: Here's a transcript:
Hello, this is Thomas Stith.
Did you know that Durham is a sanctuary city, a city where illegal immigrants commit crimes without fear of being deported? That's right, our local police can't inquire about the citizenship of people who commit a crime in our city.
We can change that with your help.
In Monday's city Council meeting, I'm going to introduce a resolution that ends the policy that makes Durham a safe haven for illegal immigrants. Call members of the City Council, and attend the City Council meeting on Monday to show your support. I'm Thomas Stith. Thanks for your time.
Anybody have a recording or transcript of the "black"version, where Stith reprotedly says that he "knows what it's like to be pulled over by the police because of the color" of his skin? We'd like to get one of those up as well.
Therre's nothing on tonight's agenda about Stith's proposed resolution, so it'll have to be done as a new business item if it's done at all. According to other City Council members, this item was discussed at the work session, and is on the agenda for the next work session. So one might legitimately raise the question as to why Thomas Stith is so anxious to bring this up tonight. Is it an effort to turn a City Council meeting into a campaign rally? Get some free media coverage for his campaign?
There's a good discussion at Kevin's place as to whether or not Stith's comments even accurately reflect current Durham policy. It's clear to me, regardless of how the specific resolutions and policies are parsed, that this is fear-mongering of the first water. It's not the Durham i've grown to love in the 14 years i've been here. It's especially disappointing to hear these kinds of things coming from a candidate with a long family history of the pursuit of social justice in Durham and North Carolina.
Maybe it would be a good idea for lots of community members to show up for tonight's meeting.
UPDATE II: For educational purposes, I've posted the text of Steve Chalmers order #4073, which spells out how the Durham Police Department has been interpreting the City Council resolution of 2003, in the comments. You be the judge as to whether or not this makes Durham "a city where illegal immigrants commit crimes without fear of being deported."
Labels: 27701, Durham, elections, local politics
Since 1949, Durhamites have slept soundly, secure in the knowledge that, in our town, erection can be depended upon. Now, thanks to the power of the internets, we can spread that security all over the world.
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INTRODUCTION
Durham Police Department recognizes and values the diversity of the community that we serve. Accordingly, the Department will act to ensure the safety and well being of all persons within its jurisdiction, regardless of their immigration status. The Durham City Council has considered this, and has issued a resolution (Attachment 1) that guides Department policy in this matter.
ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES
The primary responsibility for the enforcement of Federal immigration laws rests with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They are also responsible for prioritizing within their system the violations that they are able to effectively address. Though state and local peace officers have the authority to assist in enforcing immigration laws, it is the policy of this department that officers will respect the stated objectives and enforcement guidelines of the DHS and will not make a routine effort to direct efforts at individual violations of immigration status.
Durham Police officers will primarily focus on detecting and apprehending individuals involved in violation of criminal law regardless of the documentation status of the suspect(s).
DEFINITIONS
Alien - Any person not a citizen or national of the United States.
Undocumented Person – any person who does not possess the requisite authorization to remain legally in the United States.
Deportable Alien - An alien in and admitted to the United States subject to any grounds of removal specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act. This includes any alien illegally in the United States, regardless of whether the alien entered the country by fraud or misrepresentation or entered legally but subsequently violated the terms of his or her nonimmigrant classification or status.
Permanent Resident Alien - an alien admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Permanent residents are also commonly referred to as immigrants. They still hold passports from their country of origin, unless they have applied for and completed the naturalization process.
“Green Card” – slang for a permanent resident alien identification card. At one time the ID card was green in color.
IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES DURING STOPS AND CALLS
Determining an individual's documentation status based solely on an individual's appearance and language is obviously unreliable. Many naturalized citizens, permanent resident aliens and, other legally documented foreigners are offended by the implication that they may be non-citizens or deportable aliens. Officers should refrain from explicitly requesting a “Green Card” or other identification document that assumes that the subject is a non-citizen of the United States. Officers should first request common identification such as an Operators License or State identification card. If proper identification is not forthcoming, or if the subject appears confused or is having difficulty communicating, then request a passport, visa or refer to “positive identification” which would document the true name and birth date of the bearer.
Officers shall not inquire into the immigration status of any person, nor shall they engage in activities designed to ascertain the immigration status of any person. Under no circumstances should an officer imply or threaten the involvement of DHS unless there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of immigration law beyond an individual case of an undocumented person.
This General Order shall not be construed as prohibiting any member of the Department from cooperating and sharing information with federal or state authorities and other governmental entities as required by law.
ARREST OR DETAINMENT OF UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
If upon investigation probable cause to arrest exists unrelated to a person’s individual immigration status, officers may arrest for an offense, using discretionary guidelines set forth in General Order 1005, Limits of Accountability, Authority and Discretion. Verifying the undocumented status of any person and processing prisoners appropriately will be the responsibility of the detention facility.
This section shall not preclude the arrest or detention of a person who is wanted by DHS or another appropriate agency due to immigration violations or other similar charges.
HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS
In the interest of assuring the safety of all individuals who might be involved, officers encountering a situation in which reasonable suspicion that any of the following may exist should detain all at the scene, and contact DHS for advice and assistance:
Drop House – a house or building being used as a transfer or holding facility for persons engaging in smuggling undocumented persons
Load Vehicle – vehicle being used to transport or smuggle undocumented persons
Involuntary Servitude – identification of a house or other place where undocumented persons are being held against their will.
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Barry, at 11:27 AM
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