Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Immigrants should feel safe in courthouse

Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, left, answers a question in El Paso, Texas, as County Judge Veronica Escobar and Center Against Sexual and Family Violence Executive Director Stephanie Karr listen as the three take questions from local media concerning the arrest of Irvin Gonzalez at a courthouse. The transgender woman was obtaining a protective order against an abusive boyfriend when she was detained, drawing national attention to the issue of courthouse arrests by immigration agents. Federal immigration authorities announced Wednesday, Jan. 31 that agents will enter courthouses only to capture specific targets, like convicted criminals, gang members, public safety threats and immigrants who have been previously deported or ordered to leave.
Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, left, answers a question in El Paso, Texas, as County Judge Veronica Escobar and Center Against Sexual and Family Violence Executive Director Stephanie Karr listen as the three take questions from local media concerning the arrest of Irvin Gonzalez at a courthouse. The transgender woman was obtaining a protective order against an abusive boyfriend when she was detained, drawing national attention to the issue of courthouse arrests by immigration agents. Federal immigration authorities announced Wednesday, Jan. 31 that agents will enter courthouses only to capture specific targets, like convicted criminals, gang members, public safety threats and immigrants who have been previously deported or ordered to leave. Mark Lambie AP/ File / 2017

I have read Elliot Spagat’s article “Immigration authorities detail plan for courthouse arrest” published Jan..31 and I am writing to express my concerns on authorities being able to go inside of a courtroom to make an arrest just because a person is an immigrant.

The idea when coming to the courthouse to testify or being a victim or even to support a victim is to feel safe because of all the authorities being there. Howcan anyone feel safe knowing if they go to the courthouse, there is a possibility that they could be arrested?

Most immigrants are hardworking and they deserve to feel protected and have rights just as we do. They should not feel that they should have to hide to stay safe. They are like you and me, just trying to make a better life for their families.

Some people may argue that immigrants are criminals, hurting our economy and messing up our communities. Well I disagree. Immigrants should have the equal amount of opportunity as we do and should not be harassed doing so. They are not to blame for our economic problems, we are.

Aaliyah Williams, Fresno

This story was originally published February 3, 2018 at 7:29 PM with the headline "Immigrants should feel safe in courthouse."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER