“Deport the Criminals First” — Part Eight of an Ongoing Series: The Murder of Rebecca Griego by an Illegal Immigrant — from Britain
[“Deport the Criminals First” is a recurring feature on this blog, highlighting crimes committed by illegal immigrants — with a special focus on repeat offenders. I argue that, instead of arresting illegal immigrants who work hard for a living, we should use our limited immigration enforcement resources to target illegal immigrants who commit crimes in this country — especially violent crimes.]
On April 3, 2007, the Seattle Times reported:
Rebecca Griego called her ex-boyfriend Jonathan Rowan “a psycho from the past.” He wouldn’t stop calling her office at the University of Washington. When she no longer would answer the phone, he harassed her sister and threatened to kidnap her dogs.
Griego, 26, did what she could to avoid her 41-year-old stalker, whom she described as a suicidal alcoholic who had grown increasingly menacing. She obtained a domestic-violence protection order March 6, changed addresses and phone numbers and asked co-workers to watch out for him.
On Monday morning, Rowan found Griego alone in her fourth-floor office in Gould Hall and fatally shot her before killing himself.
Jonathan Rowan was an illegal immigrant — from Britain. That’s right: illegal immigrants don’t all come from Mexico (though don’t kid yourself; most do). And the illegal alien criminals from all countries should be deported.
But it didn’t happen to Jonathan Rowan — thanks to Seattle’s status as a “sanctuary city.” Absent that policy, which prevents law enforcement from inquiring into the immigration status of a criminal suspect, Rowan might well have been deported. A press release from the Citizens’ Committee for the
Right to Keep and Bear Arms explains:
Had it not been for a Seattle ordinance that forbids police officers from routinely ascertaining a suspect’s immigration status, Monday’s murder-suicide at the University of Washington might have been prevented because the perpetrator would have been deported months ago, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
Seattle newspapers reported Thursday morning that gunman Jonathan Rowan had been living in this country illegally for more than ten years. Stopped for drunken driving last June 30 by Seattle police, his residency status could have been determined, were it not for Seattle’s ridiculous policy. Generically called “Sanctuary Laws,” they tie the hands of police and allow foreign nationals a free pass to stay here illegally.
See a map of U.S. cities that are sanctuary communities here. Take a look:
Thanks to Jim Miller for alerting me to this case. He comments on the Rebecca Griego case — and agrees with my crusade to deport the criminals first — in a post you can read here. See also his post on the Sound Politics blog, here, and Stefan Sharkansky’s post here.
Meet Rebecca Griego, another victim of our pro-illegal immigrant policies:
Hmmm, is it just me or is there some parallels between the map showing the sanctuary cities and the FBI Crime map?
juandos (9c8c3b) — 6/8/2007 @ 6:14 amAnd sadly there will be more victims since the bases of both parties opted for the status quo. We should all be ashamed.
voiceofreason63 (d17362) — 6/8/2007 @ 6:32 amI’d like to point out that Denver (where I live) is also a sanctuary city. Pathetic.
And, voiceofreason63, that bill was hideous and wouldn’t have solved anything. I’m glad to see it die for now. Maybe now they’ll come back with something that’s actually worth supporting. Status quo isn’t good either but what that bill would have done would have been worse.
Andy (aa048d) — 6/8/2007 @ 6:45 amAndy,
I disagree – I think it was a reasonable bill given the political climate. I didn’t like all of it to be sure but on the other hand I will like less that in 10 years or so we may have 30 million or more people in the country of whom we have no official knowledge.
Just as the Democrats did when they killed bills under Republican majority because they refused bipartisan approaches, the republicans have proven they are equally adept at obstruction.
voiceofreason63 (d17362) — 6/8/2007 @ 6:53 amNow that the bill is dormant, local lawmakers will see the writing on the wall and begin to alter their hands-off policy for illegal immigrants.
I hope.
Patricia (824fa1) — 6/8/2007 @ 7:15 amWow…
First off, most of the enforcement from that bill would never hapen. Hell, they shot down an amendment requiring a data system that was mandated 11 years ago (and still isn’t in place). The amendment to prevent criminals (Well, those guilty of more than illegal entry) from getting a z-visa was shot down as well.
This bill wasn’t about fixing a problem, it was about pandering to a voting block, one that would almost certainly vote 75% democrat.
Scott Jacobs (90eabe) — 6/8/2007 @ 7:41 amScott,
Did you look at the facts/myths posted at whitehouse.gov?
Are you saying a bill is only good based on who will get voters?
voiceofreason63 (d17362) — 6/8/2007 @ 8:39 amCan’t we sue the government (and its employees) for not enforcing the law? Isn’t that one of the core tenants of the 1st Amendment?
_Jon (6d21b8) — 6/8/2007 @ 10:55 amThe bill was a unworkable mishmash that would have been gutted by the courts and administrative indifference. Not a single enforcement provision would have been implemented.
Sanctuary cities should be denied all federal funds for any purpose whatsoever. At least they should lose all law enforcement and security grants.
If there are not enough resources to fully enforce the law, I can live a criminals first policy. I’d suggest instead of deporting them and watching them come right back about 20 years hard labor building the border fence would be about right for an illegal alien who commits a felony.
Ken Hahn (e09f8d) — 6/8/2007 @ 10:58 am_Jon, mind if I ask of what political flavor you are?
Scott Jacobs (90eabe) — 6/8/2007 @ 11:01 amNot that it should matter, but … I dunno.
I’m socially liberal, fiscally conservative.
I believe laws should be enforced consistently and the future of our way of life depends upon that.
I think that we – as a nation – have been besieged by representatives who are more responsive to special interests than constituents for the past 80 years and it is accelerating.
It troubles me – for both my future and that of my children.
So, can you answer my question?
Can we sue the City Councils for making a city a “sanctuary city” for note enforcing Federal law?
If a city police department wantonly ignores a house with slaves in it, can the citizens sue the police and city? (A bordello staffed by illegal immigrant slaves was recently shut down by Federal agents in Minniapolis. The city police refused to investigate or even assist in the arrest because all of the people involved were here illegally.)
Isn’t it illegal to violate Federal Law?
_Jon (6d21b8) — 6/8/2007 @ 11:34 amWho can the citizens go to for action on these matters?
I can’t answer your questions, but I think we should be able to…
I wish I could answer your questions, but I just can’t.
I asked about your politics because the number of liberals I’ve had yell at me about “what you’re saying is contradicted on the whitehouse’s website!!” is staggering…
The same people who – for every other thing ion creation – suffer from terminal BDS…
Scott Jacobs (90eabe) — 6/8/2007 @ 11:54 amNone of this is surprising. The political parties, race warriors and local/state/federal governments all want these illegal aliens.
That is until the lawsuits start hitting. You see, these illegals who they ignore in our midst are committing alot of crimes-drug trafficking, murder, child molestation, prostitution, rape, DUI, driving without licenses and insurance, vehicular homicide, fraud. You name it, they are doing it.
Seeing as the government and law enforcement entities in these cities are turning a blind eye to this and failing to enforce the law that makes them accessories to these crimes. Personally responsible. If the police chief and mayor say “we aren’t going to bother enforcing the law” then they are just as guilty of the crimes committed by these illegals through willful negligence. I wonder how long they will turn a kind eye to these illegals when they up to their asses in lawsuits.
There is also a discrimination factor here-against American citizens. If we committed any of the crimes these illegals are getting away with we would be charged with the crime, tried and convicted. Bail to these illegals is a “Get out of jail free” card because the first thing they do is bust ass for the border, chill out back in their countries for a couple months and sneak back in.
Ennis (fc8095) — 6/8/2007 @ 12:38 pm#11
Scott – I have voted republican for thirty years and am one of the 26% who still support him.
The reason I am leaving the party is that to dissent is to be branded a liberal traitor outright or be told I have BDS. Enough is enough.
You discount the whitehouse site but give no reasons. I suppose it is easier to resort to name calling.
voiceofreason63 (d17362) — 6/8/2007 @ 3:31 pmThen lets so them some good old fashion american fronter justice like a neck tie party
krazy kagu (e7029d) — 6/9/2007 @ 6:00 amKrazy Kagu
Violence is not the solution – particularly in the context you are suggesting.
voiceofreason63 (bdf42e) — 6/9/2007 @ 7:51 am[…] “Deport the Criminals First” — Part Eight of an Ongoing Series: The Murder of Rebecca Griego b… […]
The Voices of Citizens to the Senate at Traction Control (afad56) — 6/11/2007 @ 9:23 pmSure enough, but I don’t think you should leave out an important supporting role to the UW’s terrible “gun-free” policy, either.
Kirk Parker (11c8c8) — 6/14/2007 @ 11:29 pmHear hear, Kirk.
Christoph (bad4f9) — 6/14/2007 @ 11:29 pmYou see, these illegals who they ignore in our midst are committing alot of crimes-drug trafficking, murder, child molestation, prostitution, rape, DUI, driving without licenses and insurance, vehicular homicide, fraud. You name it, they are doing it.
Got any proof? Statistics? Have you done research? Because if so, I’d like to see you post them. Otherwise, it just looks like you’re afraid of brown people.
Sure enough, but I don’t think you should leave out an important supporting role to the UW’s terrible “gun-free” policy, either.
Man, you’re a real idiot for thinking that would have made a difference. The guy knew where she worked and ambushed her. Even if she had a gun (and she wouldn’t have), she wouldn’t have had time to do anything.
bma (30a9bc) — 6/17/2007 @ 5:44 pm[…] Rebecca Griego was stalked and murdered by Jonathan Rowan, an illegal immigrant from Britain. Months before he shot her, he was stopped for drunken driving — but Seattle’s “sanctuary city” policy prevented officers from determining his illegal status. Rebecca Griego paid for this sanctuary policy with her life. […]
Hot Air » Blog Archive » Deport the Criminals First: The First Ten Installments (d4224a) — 7/12/2007 @ 9:29 am