Letter: Don’t blame Metro for arrests

Friday, May 18, 2007 | 7:21 a.m.

Regarding the Las Vegas Sun's May 16 story, "With arrests, police lose Hispanics' trust":

So let's see, the police investigate a killing of an illegal immigrant by other illegal immigrants. During their interviews they find more illegal immigrants. So the police and federal agents do what is mandated by law. They detain and arrest those who have broken the law.

Now all the immigrant rights groups are questioning why the police would punish these poor people for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Does anyone besides me see a pattern here ? Whether the law is right or wrong, it is the law. Let's say these illegals were let go and three months from now they break the law, maybe commit a robbery, murder, rape , or just steal a pack of gum. Then everyone shouts, "Why wasn't this person detained at the time of the original incident?"

The litigation process of this country would find the victims and their families suing Metro and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for negligence in ignoring the law breaker. Civil rights groups would scream it is an isolated incident. The tale goes on and on as people try to discount one crime for the other.

It has to stop at some point and someone has to take charge. The first step is law enforcement making arrests as they come upon them. That is what the taxpayers expect and demand.

As for the trust of the Hispanic and immigrant communities, if you are entitled to the protection of law and the Constitution, you do not have to fear the police and the government. If you are here illegally for whatever reason, then you will have to take your chances.

Gary S. Rosenfeld, Las Vegas