By ANABELLE GARAY / Associated Press
Did a suburban Dallas employer go too far when it told police about a job applicant who presented what turned out to be a counterfeit social security card?
Relatives and advocates for Maria Martinez say that's what happened when she was arrested, jailed and deported as an illegal immigrant after applying for a hospital cafeteria job.
But a spokeswoman for Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton contends the hospital was simply following policy and has a responsibility to report criminal activity, including possible identity theft, to the proper authorities.
During yet another year marked by several high profile immigration raids targeting both undocumented workers and the companies who hire them, the case raises questions about what employers can or should do if they discover an applicant is not authorized to work legally in the U.S.
Martinez, a single mother of a 3-year-old son and a teenage daughter, showed the hospital's cafeteria director a social security card when applying for a job there in July and also included the card's number on her application, according to police reports. About a week later, however, a background check revealed the number had been issued to a person who had since died.
The hospital's personnel director notified Carrollton police of the discrepancy. Detectives also were informed that Martinez had an appointment the next day at the hospital's human resources office, according to documents filed in the case.
Police were waiting at the hospital and arrested Martinez on a charge of tampering with a government record.
According to police, Martinez acknowledged buying the social security card for $110 at a Wal-Mart. She also had a second social security card and two counterfeit cards stating she was a legal permanent resident.
Martinez initially planned to fight the state charge but after being held in jail for nearly three weeks, she agreed to be deported to Mexico in August. Her son later joined her in Mexico.
"She told me to please forgive her. She told me she wasn't strong enough to fight," said Martinez' 19-year-old daughter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she also is in the U.S. illegally.
What makes Martinez' case stand out is that employers aren't required to report someone suspected of a crime, attorneys say. They also aren't mandated to report a worker or applicant suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, say immigration attorneys and enforcement officials.
"For an employer to go ahead and take it upon themselves ... to report that is unusual," said immigration attorney Kathleen Walker. "There's no obligation on my part to go call law enforcement."
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Carl Rusnok agreed, saying employers and local police typically don't have the training needed to determine whether someone is in the country illegally.
Carrollton's mayor has emphasized that one of his priorities is to rid the city of illegal immigrants. In the neighboring suburb of Farmers Branch, city officials have unsuccessfully tried to prohibit landlords from renting houses and apartments to tenants who cannot prove they are in the U.S. legally.
But hospital spokeswoman Susan Watson said the decision to report Martinez had nothing to do with the immigration debate swirling in suburban Dallas. The hospital reported what it considered a crime, said Watson.
"Regardless of whether they were an illegal alien, legal immigrant or an American citizen, it still wouldn't have mattered, they still would have been reported," she said.
Watson said it was the first time in at least two years that the hospital reported a possible crime involving a worker or applicant to police. But officials are always on alert because many employees have access to patients' medical records and other private information, she added.
Immigration attorneys and others, however, are concerned that many employers have become overly cautious, to the point that they may be bending or breaking the law, as well.
Laws and policies prohibit employers from scrutinizing a job applicant's identity or work eligibility before they are hired, said Walker, an El Paso lawyer and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
"When people are being prescreened before a decision to hire is being made, then you could have exposure to discrimination charges," she said.
Recent workplace raids around the country have increasingly led to prosecuting unauthorized workers for identity theft and use of someone else's social security number. But those have resulted from federal investigations by ICE agents into workers at specific companies, not calls from an employer to local police.
Still, those raids have left employers edgy, said Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute at NYU School of Law.
"I think employers are beginning to feel the pinch and in many cases I think they are trying not only to be sort of extra cautious but ... to be pre-emptive," said Chishti. "What's troubling is that employers have taken it upon themselves the job of ascertaining whether a crime has been committed."
Showing posts with label Carrollton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carrollton. Show all posts
August 31, 2008
August 20, 2008
Carrollton: Term limits, immigration are hot topics for city council
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer
Public hearing for budget also set
The Carrollton City Council discussed two hot-button issues during a work session Tuesday night, only coming to a consensus on one.
The issue of doing away with term limits was brought up during the council’s retreat last month and it was again discussed during a work session two weeks ago, with some council members proposing the idea of doing away with term limits be placed on the ballot in the November election.
Current term limits allow council members to serve three two-year terms. While Mayor Ron Branson didn’t get a vote, he voiced his opinion Tuesday.
“Everybody talks about how important experience is,” he said, adding that there are many loopholes to easily exceed the six-year term limits. “I think it’s something we should take a look at.”
“I don’t see any problem with having it on the ballot,” said council member John Mahalik.
“I’m also for it,” said council member Terry Simons. “If you’re doing a good job, people are going to recognize it. If you’re doing a bad job, they’ll boot you out.”
The issue was put to rest for now as four council members voted against putting the elimination of term limits on the ballot.
“I’d rather not have it on there,” said council member Matthew Marchant, one of the dissenters. “We’ve had a lot of controversy in the past.”
The council was unable to come to a consensus on the proposed task force to study illegal immigration. Branson proposed a task force of residents when he was elected in May and after hearing a report of ideas from a subcommittee, Marchant suggested scrapping the resident task force and letting the subcommittee handle it all, with some open forums or public meetings to gather citizen input.
It has been proposed that each council member come up with a list of five people and the council will narrow those 40 names down to 16 task force committee members.
“I am having major trouble coming up with folks that are interested,” Marchant said.
The subcommittee of Branson, along with council members Herb Weidinger, Larry Williams and Terry Simons met Friday to discuss putting a task force together.
Randy Pennington, the city’s outside facilitator, presented the subcommittee’s ideas Tuesday. The subcommittee decided the task force should determine the scope and extent of illegal immigration in Carrollton, what steps the city can legally take to address the issue, come up with ways to assist property and business owners with compliance and assist residents on how to live in a diverse world.
“We want this group to be fact based, more than anecdotal,” said Leonard Martin, city manager.
The subcommittee also addresses what type of members they are looking for. They agreed that the task force should be a diverse group, including race, ethnicity, age, gender and where they reside in the city.
“The task force is looking for people that are rational, open-minded and don’t represent the fringe in either direction,” Pennington said.
The next step, Pennington said, is determining the selection process. However, after Marchant proposed abandoning the idea of a resident task force, council members will now think it over and discuss it at a future work session.
The city of Carrollton also recently announced its budget for fiscal year 2008-09. The total budget expenditures and transfers out of $181,913,992 is a 1.31 percent increase of 2007-08’s budget of $179,559,257. The city’s proposed tax rate of $.617875 is lower than the effective tax rate from Dallas County of $.618825.
That means only one public hearing is necessary on the proposed budget. That hearing has been set for Sept. 2. City council will vote on the budget Sept. 16 and will also provide additional opportunity for public comment at that time.
“We’re taking in more money … it’s from new growth, not existing properties,” said Bob Scott, chief financial officer/assistant city manager.
Public hearing for budget also set
The Carrollton City Council discussed two hot-button issues during a work session Tuesday night, only coming to a consensus on one.
The issue of doing away with term limits was brought up during the council’s retreat last month and it was again discussed during a work session two weeks ago, with some council members proposing the idea of doing away with term limits be placed on the ballot in the November election.
Current term limits allow council members to serve three two-year terms. While Mayor Ron Branson didn’t get a vote, he voiced his opinion Tuesday.
“Everybody talks about how important experience is,” he said, adding that there are many loopholes to easily exceed the six-year term limits. “I think it’s something we should take a look at.”
“I don’t see any problem with having it on the ballot,” said council member John Mahalik.
“I’m also for it,” said council member Terry Simons. “If you’re doing a good job, people are going to recognize it. If you’re doing a bad job, they’ll boot you out.”
The issue was put to rest for now as four council members voted against putting the elimination of term limits on the ballot.
“I’d rather not have it on there,” said council member Matthew Marchant, one of the dissenters. “We’ve had a lot of controversy in the past.”
The council was unable to come to a consensus on the proposed task force to study illegal immigration. Branson proposed a task force of residents when he was elected in May and after hearing a report of ideas from a subcommittee, Marchant suggested scrapping the resident task force and letting the subcommittee handle it all, with some open forums or public meetings to gather citizen input.
It has been proposed that each council member come up with a list of five people and the council will narrow those 40 names down to 16 task force committee members.
“I am having major trouble coming up with folks that are interested,” Marchant said.
The subcommittee of Branson, along with council members Herb Weidinger, Larry Williams and Terry Simons met Friday to discuss putting a task force together.
Randy Pennington, the city’s outside facilitator, presented the subcommittee’s ideas Tuesday. The subcommittee decided the task force should determine the scope and extent of illegal immigration in Carrollton, what steps the city can legally take to address the issue, come up with ways to assist property and business owners with compliance and assist residents on how to live in a diverse world.
“We want this group to be fact based, more than anecdotal,” said Leonard Martin, city manager.
The subcommittee also addresses what type of members they are looking for. They agreed that the task force should be a diverse group, including race, ethnicity, age, gender and where they reside in the city.
“The task force is looking for people that are rational, open-minded and don’t represent the fringe in either direction,” Pennington said.
The next step, Pennington said, is determining the selection process. However, after Marchant proposed abandoning the idea of a resident task force, council members will now think it over and discuss it at a future work session.
The city of Carrollton also recently announced its budget for fiscal year 2008-09. The total budget expenditures and transfers out of $181,913,992 is a 1.31 percent increase of 2007-08’s budget of $179,559,257. The city’s proposed tax rate of $.617875 is lower than the effective tax rate from Dallas County of $.618825.
That means only one public hearing is necessary on the proposed budget. That hearing has been set for Sept. 2. City council will vote on the budget Sept. 16 and will also provide additional opportunity for public comment at that time.
“We’re taking in more money … it’s from new growth, not existing properties,” said Bob Scott, chief financial officer/assistant city manager.
August 17, 2008
Point of Contact: Carlos Quintanilla of Acción America
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Our Q&A with Carlos Quintanilla, president of Acción America. His immigrant-advocacy group plans a protest at Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton over the arrest of María Martínez, suspected to be an illegal immigrant and accused of submitting a false Social Security number with her job application.
Why the protest?
If you look at almost every major hospital in the Dallas metroplex and almost every single employer, they have opted not to take an aggressive position regarding the same situation as María Martínez faced. Trinity ... took it a step further and said: We're going to file criminal charges and call a detective in Carrollton. They arrest this woman for tampering with government documents. ...
Why did they act so aggressive? Was it necessary for them to take the action that they took against this woman? Was she really a threat to public safety, as they have claimed? ... [She] simply presented a document that has been presented for 20 or 30 years without any cause, without any problems. And if we're to look at most companies, you'd find there's a significant number that close their eyes and ignore the question of false documents.
Shouldn't employers abide by the law?
They took it a step further by participating in the entrapment of this woman. They could've just said: Hey, we're not going to hire you. Your documents are no good. And that's it.
Are hospitals in a class by themselves regarding immigrants?
Hospitals are safe zones. She was applying at a Luby's restaurant inside a hospital. ... This is a dysfunctional policy that needs to be uniform, fair and equitable. It can't be disparate. It can't be where one hospital says "yes" and another says "no."
Then where does Acción America stand regarding enforcement of the law?
We have never said, "Give protection to immigrants who have committed criminal offenses." We have never said there should be no protection of the borders. What we have always said is that it [immigration enforcement] should be fair and equal."
Our Q&A with Carlos Quintanilla, president of Acción America. His immigrant-advocacy group plans a protest at Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton over the arrest of María Martínez, suspected to be an illegal immigrant and accused of submitting a false Social Security number with her job application.
Why the protest?
If you look at almost every major hospital in the Dallas metroplex and almost every single employer, they have opted not to take an aggressive position regarding the same situation as María Martínez faced. Trinity ... took it a step further and said: We're going to file criminal charges and call a detective in Carrollton. They arrest this woman for tampering with government documents. ...
Why did they act so aggressive? Was it necessary for them to take the action that they took against this woman? Was she really a threat to public safety, as they have claimed? ... [She] simply presented a document that has been presented for 20 or 30 years without any cause, without any problems. And if we're to look at most companies, you'd find there's a significant number that close their eyes and ignore the question of false documents.
Shouldn't employers abide by the law?
They took it a step further by participating in the entrapment of this woman. They could've just said: Hey, we're not going to hire you. Your documents are no good. And that's it.
Are hospitals in a class by themselves regarding immigrants?
Hospitals are safe zones. She was applying at a Luby's restaurant inside a hospital. ... This is a dysfunctional policy that needs to be uniform, fair and equitable. It can't be disparate. It can't be where one hospital says "yes" and another says "no."
Then where does Acción America stand regarding enforcement of the law?
We have never said, "Give protection to immigrants who have committed criminal offenses." We have never said there should be no protection of the borders. What we have always said is that it [immigration enforcement] should be fair and equal."
August 8, 2008
Carrollton woman faces deportation after applying for job
12:00 AM CDT on Friday, August 8, 2008
By ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ Al Día amartinez@aldiatx.com / The Dallas Morning News
Jason Roberson contributed to this story.
The case of a Carrollton woman who faces deportation has raised questions among activists, lawyers and her family, who question the collaboration between a private hospital and the city's police to arrest her.
According to a Denton County affidavit, 40-year-old María Martínez used a fake Social Security card to apply for a job in mid-July at a Luby's restaurant inside Trinity Medical Center at 4343 Josey Lane.
The document says that Ms. Martínez "had a 10:30 a.m. appointment" on July 23 with the hospital's human resources department, where she was arrested by Carrollton police.
Gabriela Martínez, Ms. Martínez's daughter, said the appointment was a ruse planned by the hospital and the police to arrest her mother.
Gabriela Martínez said the hospital had initially told her mother she wouldn't get the job because she had submitted fake government documents with her application. However, Gabriela Martínez added that the hospital called the next day and reoffered the position, reportedly saying the documents would no longer be necessary. She said detectives were waiting for her mother when she arrived.
"A hospital, from my point of view, needs to have morals, before anything else. It's the first time I hear that a hospital helps deport a person," she said.
Hospital spokeswoman Susan Watson said she couldn't discuss Ms. Martínez's job application without her consent, but she said the matter was a criminal case that had nothing to do with her immigration status.
"It had to do with an obligation to report a crime," she said. "Our legal counsel did not have a problem about how this was done, so I can only assume we did the right thing."
Ms. Martínez was being held at Denton County's detention facility with an immigration hold and is charged with tampering with government records. She could face two to 20 years in prison before being deported if she's found guilty.
Staff writer Jason Roberson contributed to this story.
By ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ Al Día amartinez@aldiatx.com / The Dallas Morning News
Jason Roberson contributed to this story.
The case of a Carrollton woman who faces deportation has raised questions among activists, lawyers and her family, who question the collaboration between a private hospital and the city's police to arrest her.
According to a Denton County affidavit, 40-year-old María Martínez used a fake Social Security card to apply for a job in mid-July at a Luby's restaurant inside Trinity Medical Center at 4343 Josey Lane.
The document says that Ms. Martínez "had a 10:30 a.m. appointment" on July 23 with the hospital's human resources department, where she was arrested by Carrollton police.
Gabriela Martínez, Ms. Martínez's daughter, said the appointment was a ruse planned by the hospital and the police to arrest her mother.
Gabriela Martínez said the hospital had initially told her mother she wouldn't get the job because she had submitted fake government documents with her application. However, Gabriela Martínez added that the hospital called the next day and reoffered the position, reportedly saying the documents would no longer be necessary. She said detectives were waiting for her mother when she arrived.
"A hospital, from my point of view, needs to have morals, before anything else. It's the first time I hear that a hospital helps deport a person," she said.
Hospital spokeswoman Susan Watson said she couldn't discuss Ms. Martínez's job application without her consent, but she said the matter was a criminal case that had nothing to do with her immigration status.
"It had to do with an obligation to report a crime," she said. "Our legal counsel did not have a problem about how this was done, so I can only assume we did the right thing."
Ms. Martínez was being held at Denton County's detention facility with an immigration hold and is charged with tampering with government records. She could face two to 20 years in prison before being deported if she's found guilty.
Staff writer Jason Roberson contributed to this story.
Carrollton council to take its time on illegal-immigration advisory panel
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, August 7, 2008
By STEPHANIE SANDOVAL / The Dallas Morning News
ssandoval@dallasnews.com
Carrollton City Council members want to have a residents' panel advise them on combating the effects of illegal immigration. They're just not sure how to go about it.
On Tuesday, the council didn't reach agreement on how many members the committee should have, how they should be selected or just what the group should do.
"You have to decide, what are you looking for them to bring back to you?" City Manager Leonard Martin advised the council. "Do you want them to hold public hearings on this emotional issue that could get a little dicey?"
Without clear direction, Mr. Martin said, "they're not going to know what to do."
Mayor Ron Branson is clear about his own vision for the panel: He wants each of the eight City Council members to recommend five potential members. That number would then be whittled to 12 to 15 approved by the full council. Then the panel, led by a paid facilitator, would study illegal immigration in Carrollton and advise the council on ways to counter it.
Last month, the council agreed in a retreat to form an advisory committee – the brainchild of Mr. Branson, who was elected in May. But on Tuesday, some council members disagreed about how to proceed.
Some thought the full council should select the facilitator from two or three names submitted by the city staff. Others thought the committee should choose its own facilitator.
Some wanted to empower each council member to appoint one or more representatives to the committee; others wanted the committee membership subject to approval by the full council.
"We could drag this thing out several months on selection," council member Tim Hayden said.
Instead, the council named Mr. Branson and council members Herb Weidinger and Larry Williams to a subcommittee that will make preliminary recommendations about the committee's makeup and mission. The subcommittee also is expected to interview potential panel members and decide on a facilitator.
Mr. Branson said illegal immigrants in Carrollton are a threat to public safety. And he said some apartment complexes on the south side had solicited illegal immigrants from Farmers Branch, which is waging a legal fight to ban property rentals to them.
Citizens on Patrol has been advised by police that it is dangerous for its members to venture onto the apartment properties, said Mr. Branson, who volunteers with the group.
"If illegal immigration is contributing to that problem, that's a symptom we need to address," he said.
Mr. Branson supports Farmers Branch Mayor Tim O'Hare, the driving force behind that city's efforts.
But he vowed that Carrollton would not merely follow in the steps of Farmers Branch – or Irving, which drew national attention for the numbers of suspected illegal immigrants that its jail was turning over to immigration authorities for possible deportation.
"First off," Mr. Branson said, "we want no radicals on either side" – those who think all illegal immigrants should be shipped home or those who think they should all be granted visas and allowed to stay.
"We want people to look at everything objectively ... and come up with a plan I think our citizens will buy into," he said.
By STEPHANIE SANDOVAL / The Dallas Morning News
ssandoval@dallasnews.com
Carrollton City Council members want to have a residents' panel advise them on combating the effects of illegal immigration. They're just not sure how to go about it.
On Tuesday, the council didn't reach agreement on how many members the committee should have, how they should be selected or just what the group should do.
"You have to decide, what are you looking for them to bring back to you?" City Manager Leonard Martin advised the council. "Do you want them to hold public hearings on this emotional issue that could get a little dicey?"
Without clear direction, Mr. Martin said, "they're not going to know what to do."
Mayor Ron Branson is clear about his own vision for the panel: He wants each of the eight City Council members to recommend five potential members. That number would then be whittled to 12 to 15 approved by the full council. Then the panel, led by a paid facilitator, would study illegal immigration in Carrollton and advise the council on ways to counter it.
Last month, the council agreed in a retreat to form an advisory committee – the brainchild of Mr. Branson, who was elected in May. But on Tuesday, some council members disagreed about how to proceed.
Some thought the full council should select the facilitator from two or three names submitted by the city staff. Others thought the committee should choose its own facilitator.
Some wanted to empower each council member to appoint one or more representatives to the committee; others wanted the committee membership subject to approval by the full council.
"We could drag this thing out several months on selection," council member Tim Hayden said.
Instead, the council named Mr. Branson and council members Herb Weidinger and Larry Williams to a subcommittee that will make preliminary recommendations about the committee's makeup and mission. The subcommittee also is expected to interview potential panel members and decide on a facilitator.
Mr. Branson said illegal immigrants in Carrollton are a threat to public safety. And he said some apartment complexes on the south side had solicited illegal immigrants from Farmers Branch, which is waging a legal fight to ban property rentals to them.
Citizens on Patrol has been advised by police that it is dangerous for its members to venture onto the apartment properties, said Mr. Branson, who volunteers with the group.
"If illegal immigration is contributing to that problem, that's a symptom we need to address," he said.
Mr. Branson supports Farmers Branch Mayor Tim O'Hare, the driving force behind that city's efforts.
But he vowed that Carrollton would not merely follow in the steps of Farmers Branch – or Irving, which drew national attention for the numbers of suspected illegal immigrants that its jail was turning over to immigration authorities for possible deportation.
"First off," Mr. Branson said, "we want no radicals on either side" – those who think all illegal immigrants should be shipped home or those who think they should all be granted visas and allowed to stay.
"We want people to look at everything objectively ... and come up with a plan I think our citizens will buy into," he said.
August 5, 2008
Carrollton: City council talks about task force
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer
(Created: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:31 PM CDT)
A group of residents will be appointed to study illegal immigration
Plans are in the works for the formation of a task force to study illegal immigration in Carrollton and to recommend how the city should deal with growing concern in the community.
Illegal immigration was one of Mayor Ron Branson’s top campaign issues. When elected in May, Branson told the Leader “One of the first things I want to do is put together a cross-section of the community and discuss our immigration problems.”
The council deliberated on how to best establish the task force during a work session Tuesday evening. Ideas included each council member submitting five names and then having the council decide as well as posting an application on the city Web site and having to pare down from however many citizens apply.
“You have to decide what are you looking for them to bring back to you,” City Manager Leonard Martin told the council. “Do you want them to hold public hearings in the community? You can’t appoint a group and say just go study this. They’re not going to know what to do.”
After going back and forth, Branson suggested the council form a subcommittee to decide how many should be on the task force and how the members will be selected. The subcommittee will also interview the candidates and potential facilitators. Council members Larry Williams and Herb Weidinger volunteered to be a part of the subcommittee with Branson. Branson said he wants to move quickly on the task force and that it will not be a long drawn out process. In other city news, the city council unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow a KFC/Taco Bell to be built on Belt Line Road, between Josey Lane and Metrocrest Drive.
The council also approved an extension of contracts with Allied Waste Services and Waste Management. Residents who receive trash collection from Allied will see their bills increase to $16.78. Those who receive services from Waste Manangement, including apartments and city facilities, will see their bills increase to $6.75. There will be no changes in service.
Contact Senitra Horbrook at 972-628-4074 or shorbrook@acnpapers.com. Comment on this story at scntx.com.
(Created: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:31 PM CDT)
A group of residents will be appointed to study illegal immigration
Plans are in the works for the formation of a task force to study illegal immigration in Carrollton and to recommend how the city should deal with growing concern in the community.
Illegal immigration was one of Mayor Ron Branson’s top campaign issues. When elected in May, Branson told the Leader “One of the first things I want to do is put together a cross-section of the community and discuss our immigration problems.”
The council deliberated on how to best establish the task force during a work session Tuesday evening. Ideas included each council member submitting five names and then having the council decide as well as posting an application on the city Web site and having to pare down from however many citizens apply.
“You have to decide what are you looking for them to bring back to you,” City Manager Leonard Martin told the council. “Do you want them to hold public hearings in the community? You can’t appoint a group and say just go study this. They’re not going to know what to do.”
After going back and forth, Branson suggested the council form a subcommittee to decide how many should be on the task force and how the members will be selected. The subcommittee will also interview the candidates and potential facilitators. Council members Larry Williams and Herb Weidinger volunteered to be a part of the subcommittee with Branson. Branson said he wants to move quickly on the task force and that it will not be a long drawn out process. In other city news, the city council unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow a KFC/Taco Bell to be built on Belt Line Road, between Josey Lane and Metrocrest Drive.
The council also approved an extension of contracts with Allied Waste Services and Waste Management. Residents who receive trash collection from Allied will see their bills increase to $16.78. Those who receive services from Waste Manangement, including apartments and city facilities, will see their bills increase to $6.75. There will be no changes in service.
Contact Senitra Horbrook at 972-628-4074 or shorbrook@acnpapers.com. Comment on this story at scntx.com.
July 19, 2008
Carrollton City Council to appoint panel on illegal immigration
Carrollton City Council to appoint panel on illegal immigration
12:59 AM CDT on Saturday, July 19, 2008
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
bformby@dallasnews.com
The Carrollton City Council is expected to appoint a residents' task force to develop possible approaches to illegal immigration.
The idea for such a group came late Friday during a council retreat after council members failed to reach a consensus on proposed illegal immigration resolutions.
Mayor Ron Branson and council member Terry Simons had proposed a resolution affirming English as the city's official language, arguing that it would deter illegal immigrants.
But council members Tim Hayden and Herb Weidinger disagreed.
Mr. Hayden said such a resolution would do little more than generate headlines.
"I'm trying to follow the logic, but I'm getting lost," he said.
Mr. Branson said that if a resolution kept one illegal immigrant out of Carrollton, "it would be worth it."
He has said that one of his top priorities as mayor will be to work to rid the city of illegal immigrants, some of whom he said moved to Carrollton after neighboring Farmers Branch made them unwelcome with its efforts to prevent them from renting property.
Carrollton already participates in the Criminal Alien Program, which has jailers contacting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers when they think a detainee is in the U.S. illegally. And in April, the city was accepted into a federal program that trains local police to act as immigration officers.
Mr. Branson resigned from the City Council in 2006 for health reasons but unseated the incumbent mayor in May.
Farmers Branch made English the city's official language in 2006. The Oak Point City Council adopted a resolution supporting the use of English as the official language of documents in this small Denton County town last summer.
Council member John Mahalik said he did not want Carrollton to be lumped together with cities such as Farmers Branch that have drawn widespread attention for their approaches to illegal immigration. But he also said he would support a resolution making English Carrollton's official language.
Council member Pat Malone raised the question of whether a resolution would have any significant impact. She also wondered whether it would send a message to residents that the council cares about the problem of illegal immigration.
The council also failed to reach a consensus on a proposed resolution supporting Farmers Branch's approach to illegal immigration, which has included ordinances that have been blocked by or tied up in court.
Council member Matthew Marchant did not voice support or opposition on the resolutions. Council member Larry Williams was not at the retreat Friday.
The council is likely to vote on the structure and membership of the task force in September.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/071908dnmetcarrenglish.46c3c60.html
12:59 AM CDT on Saturday, July 19, 2008
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
bformby@dallasnews.com
The Carrollton City Council is expected to appoint a residents' task force to develop possible approaches to illegal immigration.
The idea for such a group came late Friday during a council retreat after council members failed to reach a consensus on proposed illegal immigration resolutions.
Mayor Ron Branson and council member Terry Simons had proposed a resolution affirming English as the city's official language, arguing that it would deter illegal immigrants.
But council members Tim Hayden and Herb Weidinger disagreed.
Mr. Hayden said such a resolution would do little more than generate headlines.
"I'm trying to follow the logic, but I'm getting lost," he said.
Mr. Branson said that if a resolution kept one illegal immigrant out of Carrollton, "it would be worth it."
He has said that one of his top priorities as mayor will be to work to rid the city of illegal immigrants, some of whom he said moved to Carrollton after neighboring Farmers Branch made them unwelcome with its efforts to prevent them from renting property.
Carrollton already participates in the Criminal Alien Program, which has jailers contacting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers when they think a detainee is in the U.S. illegally. And in April, the city was accepted into a federal program that trains local police to act as immigration officers.
Mr. Branson resigned from the City Council in 2006 for health reasons but unseated the incumbent mayor in May.
Farmers Branch made English the city's official language in 2006. The Oak Point City Council adopted a resolution supporting the use of English as the official language of documents in this small Denton County town last summer.
Council member John Mahalik said he did not want Carrollton to be lumped together with cities such as Farmers Branch that have drawn widespread attention for their approaches to illegal immigration. But he also said he would support a resolution making English Carrollton's official language.
Council member Pat Malone raised the question of whether a resolution would have any significant impact. She also wondered whether it would send a message to residents that the council cares about the problem of illegal immigration.
The council also failed to reach a consensus on a proposed resolution supporting Farmers Branch's approach to illegal immigration, which has included ordinances that have been blocked by or tied up in court.
Council member Matthew Marchant did not voice support or opposition on the resolutions. Council member Larry Williams was not at the retreat Friday.
The council is likely to vote on the structure and membership of the task force in September.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/071908dnmetcarrenglish.46c3c60.html
July 13, 2008
We the People - Respect for Mexican laws only?
Respect for Mexican laws only?
Re: "Mexicans leaving under duress – Economy, enforcement cited as consulates see sharp rise in returnees," July 5 news story.
Does anyone else see the irony of the story regarding illegal immigrants returning to Mexico?
While it appears they aren't too concerned about providing documentation or following the rule of law in this country, they are concerned enough to get documentation for their children to enter Mexican schools upon their return.
Is this because the Mexican government actually enforces its sovereignty? And, if that is the case, why do activists persist in seeing it as a crime for our borders and our laws to be enforced?
People who are here legally should have nothing to worry about, but those who skirt the law need to understand that we do have laws and that, just like in their own country, they need to be enforced.
Ellen Kudlicki, Carrollton
Re: "Mexicans leaving under duress – Economy, enforcement cited as consulates see sharp rise in returnees," July 5 news story.
Does anyone else see the irony of the story regarding illegal immigrants returning to Mexico?
While it appears they aren't too concerned about providing documentation or following the rule of law in this country, they are concerned enough to get documentation for their children to enter Mexican schools upon their return.
Is this because the Mexican government actually enforces its sovereignty? And, if that is the case, why do activists persist in seeing it as a crime for our borders and our laws to be enforced?
People who are here legally should have nothing to worry about, but those who skirt the law need to understand that we do have laws and that, just like in their own country, they need to be enforced.
Ellen Kudlicki, Carrollton
July 5, 2008
More Mexicans leaving U.S. under duress
12:07 AM CDT on Saturday, July 5, 2008
By OCTAVIO RIVERA LÓPEZ / Al Día
Two hours were enough for José Luis Sánchez and his family to pack their most valuable belongings in two vans – items accumulated in 10 years of living in the Dallas area.
With his wife, children and their suitcases in place, Mr. Sánchez closed the door of his Mesquite apartment for the last time, sat at the wheel of one of the vehicles – his brother drove the other – and hit the road back to his homeland.
So ended his decade-long adventure as an illegal Mexican immigrant in the United States.
According to Mexican consulate officials in Dallas, some 400 immigrant families have told them so far this year that they're going back to Mexico and asked for transfer documents to enroll their children in Mexican schools.
Enrique Hubbard Urrea, Mexican consul general in Dallas, said it is impossible to track every Mexican who leaves the area. But he said the number asking for transfer documents at the consulate is on the rise.
In 2005, the consulate issued 162 such documents; in 2006 it was 199; and last year it was 270. At the current rate, more than twice as many people will leave this year as last, he said.
"There is no doubt the trend indicates that the number is growing," Mr. Hubbard said.
And it isn't happening only in Dallas. At the Mexican consulates in Chicago and Phoenix, too, the number of Mexican families applying for transfer documents for their children has increased.
So far in 2008, more people (752) have visited the Mexican consulate in Phoenix to apply for transfer documents than the total for 2006 (248) and 2007 (330) combined, according to officials there.
According to informal surveys by the Mexican consulate in Dallas, most of those wanting to return to Mexico cite the sudden scarcity of jobs, fear of deportation and uncertainty about obtaining legal resident status any time soon.
In the last few years, and particularly the last few months, Mr. Sánchez struggled to find work. His earnings dwindled as his children grew up and their needs multiplied.
"People like me, if you don't work one day, you worry about how to feed your family the next day," he said. "We as immigrant workers never have stability, even if the economy is doing well. Imagine how things are now."
Also, he said, there is growing anti-immigrant sentiment that he would rather not experience anymore.
"Those of us who live here live depressed all the time, in hiding," he said. "They don't like us here, and those who love us and whom we love are far away. I prefer to go back, even if it means living in poorer conditions."
Mr. Hubbard said tougher enforcement of immigration laws in the last few years hasn't gone unnoticed.
"Some say companies fear hiring people without proper documents," he said.
He said others are seeing authorities detain more people in Irving, Farmers Branch and, to a lesser degree, Carrollton.
Carl Rusnok, spokesman for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Dallas, said deportation of Mexican immigrants nationally has grown from 108,900 in 2005 to 136,370 last year.
Mark López, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center, said he has no reliable data about the number of immigrants returning to Mexico but is not surprised many are going.
"Lower-income people – obviously including immigrants – have been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn," he said.
Two weeks ago, the Pew center said the unemployment rate among Hispanic immigrants reached 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 5.5 percent during the same quarter of last year.
Mr. Hubbard and Mr. López say the departures could cause problems for cities, especially those that have pushed ordinances hostile to immigrants, because in scaring immigrants away, they are driving away part of their workforce along with its purchasing power.
"If they don't like them as neighbors, they won't like them as consumers, either," said Mr. Hubbard.
But others think that immigrants returning to their countries won't hurt the U.S. economy.
"The country's economy adjusted to the immigrants' presence. No doubt it will adjust to their absence," said Ira Mehlman, national spokesman for FAIR, an organization opposed to illegal immigration.
"That these people are leaving proves what we have been saying for years," he said. "If you begin enforcing the law to prevent them getting what they come here to get, they will go."
Mr. Mehlman said FAIR would like to see more immigrants leave, not because of hard economic times but because of law enforcement.
He said the return of Mexican immigrants to their home country would force the government there to make reforms to jump-start its economy.
"Exporting its unemployed, underemployed citizens or those who are unhappy there allowed the Mexican government to get rid of the pressure to introduce changes for the benefit of their people," Mr. Mehlman said. "Now that their people are going back, perhaps they won't be able to shun their responsibility any longer."
As the moment to leave came, José Luis Sánchez and his family didn't have an idea of the Mexico awaiting them. From their family, they expect everything. From their home country, not much.
"We're going to continue living by the day, for sure," he said. "But psychologically we're going to be better. With our family, without fears, without pressures. It's worth the difficulties."
And, he added, "The American Dream is just that – a dream."
By OCTAVIO RIVERA LÓPEZ / Al Día
Two hours were enough for José Luis Sánchez and his family to pack their most valuable belongings in two vans – items accumulated in 10 years of living in the Dallas area.
With his wife, children and their suitcases in place, Mr. Sánchez closed the door of his Mesquite apartment for the last time, sat at the wheel of one of the vehicles – his brother drove the other – and hit the road back to his homeland.
So ended his decade-long adventure as an illegal Mexican immigrant in the United States.
According to Mexican consulate officials in Dallas, some 400 immigrant families have told them so far this year that they're going back to Mexico and asked for transfer documents to enroll their children in Mexican schools.
Enrique Hubbard Urrea, Mexican consul general in Dallas, said it is impossible to track every Mexican who leaves the area. But he said the number asking for transfer documents at the consulate is on the rise.
In 2005, the consulate issued 162 such documents; in 2006 it was 199; and last year it was 270. At the current rate, more than twice as many people will leave this year as last, he said.
"There is no doubt the trend indicates that the number is growing," Mr. Hubbard said.
And it isn't happening only in Dallas. At the Mexican consulates in Chicago and Phoenix, too, the number of Mexican families applying for transfer documents for their children has increased.
So far in 2008, more people (752) have visited the Mexican consulate in Phoenix to apply for transfer documents than the total for 2006 (248) and 2007 (330) combined, according to officials there.
According to informal surveys by the Mexican consulate in Dallas, most of those wanting to return to Mexico cite the sudden scarcity of jobs, fear of deportation and uncertainty about obtaining legal resident status any time soon.
In the last few years, and particularly the last few months, Mr. Sánchez struggled to find work. His earnings dwindled as his children grew up and their needs multiplied.
"People like me, if you don't work one day, you worry about how to feed your family the next day," he said. "We as immigrant workers never have stability, even if the economy is doing well. Imagine how things are now."
Also, he said, there is growing anti-immigrant sentiment that he would rather not experience anymore.
"Those of us who live here live depressed all the time, in hiding," he said. "They don't like us here, and those who love us and whom we love are far away. I prefer to go back, even if it means living in poorer conditions."
Mr. Hubbard said tougher enforcement of immigration laws in the last few years hasn't gone unnoticed.
"Some say companies fear hiring people without proper documents," he said.
He said others are seeing authorities detain more people in Irving, Farmers Branch and, to a lesser degree, Carrollton.
Carl Rusnok, spokesman for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Dallas, said deportation of Mexican immigrants nationally has grown from 108,900 in 2005 to 136,370 last year.
Mark López, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center, said he has no reliable data about the number of immigrants returning to Mexico but is not surprised many are going.
"Lower-income people – obviously including immigrants – have been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn," he said.
Two weeks ago, the Pew center said the unemployment rate among Hispanic immigrants reached 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 5.5 percent during the same quarter of last year.
Mr. Hubbard and Mr. López say the departures could cause problems for cities, especially those that have pushed ordinances hostile to immigrants, because in scaring immigrants away, they are driving away part of their workforce along with its purchasing power.
"If they don't like them as neighbors, they won't like them as consumers, either," said Mr. Hubbard.
But others think that immigrants returning to their countries won't hurt the U.S. economy.
"The country's economy adjusted to the immigrants' presence. No doubt it will adjust to their absence," said Ira Mehlman, national spokesman for FAIR, an organization opposed to illegal immigration.
"That these people are leaving proves what we have been saying for years," he said. "If you begin enforcing the law to prevent them getting what they come here to get, they will go."
Mr. Mehlman said FAIR would like to see more immigrants leave, not because of hard economic times but because of law enforcement.
He said the return of Mexican immigrants to their home country would force the government there to make reforms to jump-start its economy.
"Exporting its unemployed, underemployed citizens or those who are unhappy there allowed the Mexican government to get rid of the pressure to introduce changes for the benefit of their people," Mr. Mehlman said. "Now that their people are going back, perhaps they won't be able to shun their responsibility any longer."
As the moment to leave came, José Luis Sánchez and his family didn't have an idea of the Mexico awaiting them. From their family, they expect everything. From their home country, not much.
"We're going to continue living by the day, for sure," he said. "But psychologically we're going to be better. With our family, without fears, without pressures. It's worth the difficulties."
And, he added, "The American Dream is just that – a dream."
September 29, 2007
Teen says fugitive admitted killing UNT student
Teen says fugitive admitted killing UNT student
By TRACI SHURLEY
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Fri, Sep. 28, 2007
The Goodwin Family
Handout photo of 2006 Bowie High School graduate Melanie Goodwin, a 19-year-old whose body was found in Carrollton on Tuesday.
The Carrollton teenager arrested Thursday as part of the investigation into the killing of a 19-year-old Arlington girl this week is accused of providing the money and a gasoline can that was used in an attempt to cover up the crime, according to an arrest warrant affidavit released Friday afternoon.
Donovan R. Young, 19, was being held on suspicion of tampering with evidence.
Police are seeking 20-year-old Ernesto Pina Reyes of Denton in connection with the death of Melanie Goodwin, a Bowie High School graduate who was a sophomore at the University of North Texas in Denton.
"We're hopeful he is close. We are hopeful he...wants to come in or at least somehow make contact with us, either directly or through a family member or a friend, and come talk to us and give us his side," said Sgt. John Singleton of the Carrollton police department. Police are asking the public to call a tip line, 972-466-4775, with information about the case.
Authorities found Goodwin's body in Carrollton early Tuesday. The Dallas County medical examiner's office said she died of multiple blunt-force injuries. Her body had been burned.
Young told detectives Thursday night that Reyes showed up at his apartment Tuesday between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. asking for help, according to the affidavit.
Reyes told Young that, "he killed someone, didn't mean to and needed to get rid of her body," the affidavit states.
Young told police he then saw a dead woman in the back of a red 2002 Saturn Reyes was driving. He then told police that he gave Reyes gas money and a gas can to put it in, the affidavit states.
Reyes then told Young that he would have to go back to Young's apartment after he finished because he had nowhere to go.
After leaving, Reyes returned to Young's apartment one to three hours later. He explained to Young that he had burned the woman's body, the affidavit states.
Both men went to sleep before taking Goodwin's car to the 2100 block of Marsh Lane in Carrolton "to blow it up," the affidavit states.
The car was found later in a different location along Dallas Drive in Denton.
Young and Reyes live less than a quarter mile from each other in Denton, according to addresses listed in their court records.
Young has been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession twice, according to Denton County court records. He received deferred adjudications, meaning a conviction was not to appear on his record as long as he completed terms of the probation.
On Friday, an assistant district attorney filed a motion asking that Young's probation be revoked and that a judge enter findings of guilty against him in the marijuana cases. One of those motions says Reeves didn't do community service and had a urine test that was positive for marijuana on Sept. 4.
Police said it appears Reyes did not know Goodwin. According to an arrest warrant affidavit released Thursday, a clerk at a Denton QuikTrip saw Reyes asking a woman matching Goodwin's description for a ride about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday.
A little over two hours later, the surveillance video, from a Carrollton business near the site where the burned body was found, captured Reyes driving up in Goodwin's car, according to the affidavit.
Carrollton police Sgt. John Singleton said Thursday afternoon that detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. marshal's office, to find Reyes. They released a driver's license photo of him and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact local police.
According to the affidavit, police traced calls that Reyes made from a telephone at the convenience store to an acquaintance who identified him as the man seen with Goodwin. That person also told police that Reyes had singed hair and burns on his forearms.
Criminal history
According to court records, Reyes was indicted on a charge of burglary of a building in February 2006 in Denton County. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, three years' probation and given deferred adjudication, meaning the conviction does not appear on his record as long as he completed terms of the probation.
Then, in early February, Reyes was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge and was later released. A Denton County assistant district attorney filed a motion April 12 to revoke his probation and enter a guilty finding on the burglary.
That document says Reyes failed to fulfill the terms of his probation by not completing a drug education program ordered by the court, by failing to attend weekly counseling, by not completing four hours of community service weekly and by possessing marijuana. He was back in the Denton County Jail in late April.
While being held there, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a hold on Reyes, who was born in Mexico but has U.S. permanent resident status, according to officials and police records. The agency took custody of him June 20, jail officials said.
Carl Rusnok, a spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a prepared statement Thursday that the agency eventually released Reyes because his crime was not a deportable offense for legal residents.
Reyes returned to Denton County court Aug. 2 and was sentenced to 180 days in jail on the burglary charge. He was released Aug. 26, according to jail records.
Prayers for family
On Wednesday night, more than 400 people gathered at an Arlington church to pray for Goodwin's family and remember her. She was a graduate of Arlington's Bowie High School and was active in Theatre Arlington.
Patti Diou, former director of Theatre Arlington, met Goodwin about 10 years ago. Over the years, Goodwin was a constant figure for the group, helping with theater camp, setting up children's productions and working the box office.
Staff writers Eva-Marie Ayala, Mitch Mitchell and Domingo Ramirez Jr. contributed to this report.
Suspect at large
Carrollton police issued an arrest warrant late Wednesday for Ernesto Pina Reyes, 20, of Denton. He is wanted on suspicion of murder in the death of Melanie Goodwin, 19, of Arlington, police said in a news release.
Description: Six feet tall, 245 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. Last seen wearing a white striped shirt, short pants and white tennis shoes, according to police.
Seen with a woman matching Goodwin's description about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday at a Denton QuikTrip in the 3700 block of south Interstate 35E, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Left the QuikTrip with Goodwin in a red 2002, two-door Saturn with Texas license plates Z57-WBT, police have said. The car was found Wednesday near Dallas Drive in Denton, police said.
Captured on surveillance camera about 4 a.m. in the 3200 block of Keller Springs Road in Carrollton, according to the affidavit.
Have a tip? Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carrollton Police Department at 972-466-4775.
Traci Shurley, 817-548-5494
tshurley@star-telegram.com
By TRACI SHURLEY
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Fri, Sep. 28, 2007
The Goodwin Family
Handout photo of 2006 Bowie High School graduate Melanie Goodwin, a 19-year-old whose body was found in Carrollton on Tuesday.
The Carrollton teenager arrested Thursday as part of the investigation into the killing of a 19-year-old Arlington girl this week is accused of providing the money and a gasoline can that was used in an attempt to cover up the crime, according to an arrest warrant affidavit released Friday afternoon.
Donovan R. Young, 19, was being held on suspicion of tampering with evidence.
Police are seeking 20-year-old Ernesto Pina Reyes of Denton in connection with the death of Melanie Goodwin, a Bowie High School graduate who was a sophomore at the University of North Texas in Denton.
"We're hopeful he is close. We are hopeful he...wants to come in or at least somehow make contact with us, either directly or through a family member or a friend, and come talk to us and give us his side," said Sgt. John Singleton of the Carrollton police department. Police are asking the public to call a tip line, 972-466-4775, with information about the case.
Authorities found Goodwin's body in Carrollton early Tuesday. The Dallas County medical examiner's office said she died of multiple blunt-force injuries. Her body had been burned.
Young told detectives Thursday night that Reyes showed up at his apartment Tuesday between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. asking for help, according to the affidavit.
Reyes told Young that, "he killed someone, didn't mean to and needed to get rid of her body," the affidavit states.
Young told police he then saw a dead woman in the back of a red 2002 Saturn Reyes was driving. He then told police that he gave Reyes gas money and a gas can to put it in, the affidavit states.
Reyes then told Young that he would have to go back to Young's apartment after he finished because he had nowhere to go.
After leaving, Reyes returned to Young's apartment one to three hours later. He explained to Young that he had burned the woman's body, the affidavit states.
Both men went to sleep before taking Goodwin's car to the 2100 block of Marsh Lane in Carrolton "to blow it up," the affidavit states.
The car was found later in a different location along Dallas Drive in Denton.
Young and Reyes live less than a quarter mile from each other in Denton, according to addresses listed in their court records.
Young has been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession twice, according to Denton County court records. He received deferred adjudications, meaning a conviction was not to appear on his record as long as he completed terms of the probation.
On Friday, an assistant district attorney filed a motion asking that Young's probation be revoked and that a judge enter findings of guilty against him in the marijuana cases. One of those motions says Reeves didn't do community service and had a urine test that was positive for marijuana on Sept. 4.
Police said it appears Reyes did not know Goodwin. According to an arrest warrant affidavit released Thursday, a clerk at a Denton QuikTrip saw Reyes asking a woman matching Goodwin's description for a ride about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday.
A little over two hours later, the surveillance video, from a Carrollton business near the site where the burned body was found, captured Reyes driving up in Goodwin's car, according to the affidavit.
Carrollton police Sgt. John Singleton said Thursday afternoon that detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. marshal's office, to find Reyes. They released a driver's license photo of him and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact local police.
According to the affidavit, police traced calls that Reyes made from a telephone at the convenience store to an acquaintance who identified him as the man seen with Goodwin. That person also told police that Reyes had singed hair and burns on his forearms.
Criminal history
According to court records, Reyes was indicted on a charge of burglary of a building in February 2006 in Denton County. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, three years' probation and given deferred adjudication, meaning the conviction does not appear on his record as long as he completed terms of the probation.
Then, in early February, Reyes was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge and was later released. A Denton County assistant district attorney filed a motion April 12 to revoke his probation and enter a guilty finding on the burglary.
That document says Reyes failed to fulfill the terms of his probation by not completing a drug education program ordered by the court, by failing to attend weekly counseling, by not completing four hours of community service weekly and by possessing marijuana. He was back in the Denton County Jail in late April.
While being held there, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a hold on Reyes, who was born in Mexico but has U.S. permanent resident status, according to officials and police records. The agency took custody of him June 20, jail officials said.
Carl Rusnok, a spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a prepared statement Thursday that the agency eventually released Reyes because his crime was not a deportable offense for legal residents.
Reyes returned to Denton County court Aug. 2 and was sentenced to 180 days in jail on the burglary charge. He was released Aug. 26, according to jail records.
Prayers for family
On Wednesday night, more than 400 people gathered at an Arlington church to pray for Goodwin's family and remember her. She was a graduate of Arlington's Bowie High School and was active in Theatre Arlington.
Patti Diou, former director of Theatre Arlington, met Goodwin about 10 years ago. Over the years, Goodwin was a constant figure for the group, helping with theater camp, setting up children's productions and working the box office.
Staff writers Eva-Marie Ayala, Mitch Mitchell and Domingo Ramirez Jr. contributed to this report.
Suspect at large
Carrollton police issued an arrest warrant late Wednesday for Ernesto Pina Reyes, 20, of Denton. He is wanted on suspicion of murder in the death of Melanie Goodwin, 19, of Arlington, police said in a news release.
Description: Six feet tall, 245 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. Last seen wearing a white striped shirt, short pants and white tennis shoes, according to police.
Seen with a woman matching Goodwin's description about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday at a Denton QuikTrip in the 3700 block of south Interstate 35E, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Left the QuikTrip with Goodwin in a red 2002, two-door Saturn with Texas license plates Z57-WBT, police have said. The car was found Wednesday near Dallas Drive in Denton, police said.
Captured on surveillance camera about 4 a.m. in the 3200 block of Keller Springs Road in Carrollton, according to the affidavit.
Have a tip? Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carrollton Police Department at 972-466-4775.
Traci Shurley, 817-548-5494
tshurley@star-telegram.com
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