Judicial Watch Leads Nationwide Campaign to Enforce Illegal Immigration Laws | SanctuaryBusters.org, a project of Judicial Watch

Today, between twelve and twenty million illegal aliens reside in the United States, draining our nation's economy, and presenting a security threat to the people of the United States. Public officials have not only repeatedly failed to protect our borders from this illegal alien invasion, but they have also been complicit in the effort to undermine our nation's immigration laws by implementing so-called "sanctuary policies" for illegal aliens.

These sanctuary policies take many forms, including taxpayer-funded day labor sites, police policies that prohibit police officers from communicating with federal immigration officials and other local or state government policies that are magnets for more illegal aliens to cross the border. Sanctuary policies not only violate our nation's federal immigration laws, but they also worsen an already out-of-control illegal immigration crisis.

Judicial Watch members and supporters have said repeatedly they want Judicial Watch to lead the battle against illegal immigration. For this reason, Judicial Watch has launched a nationwide campaign to enforce our nation's immigration laws.

The following is a comprehensive list of the actions Judicial Watch has taken to fight illegal immigration in every corner of the country from 2004 to the present time.

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Investigations:

Judicial Watch Presses Investigation of San Francisco Sanctuary Policies After Illegal Alien Triple Murder, San Francisco, California -- On July 28, 2008 Judicial Watch filed a California Public Records Request with the San Francisco Sherriff's Department to obtain arrest and booking records for Edwin Ramos, an illegal alien charged with a triple murder of three innocent American citizens. Ramos allegedly gunned down Tony Bologna and his sons Michael and Matthew with an AK-47 following a minor traffic incident on June 22, 2008. According to The Associated Press, Ramos, an illegal alien from El Salvador, had been arrested on three prior occasions and convicted of two felonies, but was never turned over to federal immigration authorities "largely as a result of San Francisco's self-imposed sanctuary status." San Francisco law prohibits local officials from cooperating with federal officials in deporting illegal aliens.

According to records obtained by Judicial Watch, Ramos was arrested in March 2008 after police discovered a gun in his car that had been used in a double homicide. The district attorney's office did not press charges and Ramos was released. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated that the agency was never notified of the arrest. On July 22, 2008 Ramos allegedly murdered three innocent U.S. citizens.

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Judicial Watch Forces Reversal of Phoenix Sanctuary Policy (Phoenix, Arizona) -- Since July 2007, Judicial Watch has worked closely with businesses, community and law enforcement leaders to bring about a change in Phoenix, Arizona's status as an illegal alien "sanctuary city." Judicial Watch partnered with "America's Toughest Sheriff" Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to crack down on illegal alien criminals leading to dozens of arrests. Judicial Watch also launched a comprehensive public education campaign concerning the City of Phoenix's immigration enforcement policies. Several months after Judicial Watch initiated this campaign, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon abandoned his long-held support of the city's sanctuary policy and commissioned an illegal immigration expert panel to study the policy. Ultimately, Phoenix Chief of Police Jack Harris completely revised the sanctuary policy. Under the new policy, everyone arrested in Phoenix will be questioned about his or her citizenship.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Human Smuggling and Drop Houses in Phoenix (Phoenix, Arizona)
-- Illegal alien smugglers, known as "coyotes," prey upon illegals desperate to cross the nation's southern border, often holding their victims hostage for large sums of money once they reach the United States. Nowhere is this problem more evident than in Phoenix, Arizona, which, according to the head of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, has become the kidnapping capital of the United States. For this reason, Judicial Watch launched an investigation of the illegal alien human smuggling operation in Phoenix along with the drop houses in the city where illegal aliens are held hostage. A special report on the results of this investigation is due to be released shortly.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Arrest of Illegal Alien Gang Member, Murder Suspect (Culver City,
California) -- Judicial Watch recently launched an investigation into the arrest of Pedro Espinoza, the illegal alien gang member who murdered high school student Jamiel Shaw on March 2, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Espinoza had been released from a Culver City, California, jail the day before the murder. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was never informed of Espinoza's arrest. Judicial Watch obtained Espinoza's booking record through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) proving Espinoza lied to police about his citizenship status. Culver City is a sanctuary city that prevents police officers from freely communicating with federal immigration authorities.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Houston Illegal Alien Sanctuary Policies (Houston, TX) -- On June 21, 2006, Judicial Watch filed a "Texas Public Information Act Request" with the Houston Police Department (HPD), and another with the City of Houston. The HPD request relates to General Order 500-5, a so-called "sanctuary policy" for illegal aliens, while the City of Houston request relates to the city's taxpayer-funded day labor site for illegal aliens. Judicial Watch's investigation is ongoing.

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Judicial Watch Helps Push Prince William County to Reform Sanctuary
Policies (Prince William County, Virginia) --
Judicial Watch used Virginia open records laws to force the Prince William County Sheriff to disclose his department's policies and rules related to illegal aliens. Judicial Watch also filed open records requests on behalf of activists in Prince William County that contributed to the county taking one of the strongest "get tough" approaches to illegal immigration law enforcement in the country.

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Judicial Watch Launches Massive Probe of Sanctuary Policies in Maryland (Montgomery County, Maryland)
-- Judicial Watch launched a comprehensive investigation of Montgomery County's illegal alien sanctuary policies using the open records process. At the center of Judicial Watch's investigation is Casa de Maryland, a taxpayer funded radical group that provides employment assistance to illegal aliens.

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Judicial Watch Joins Seattle Taxpayers in Fight Against Illegal Immigration (Seattle, Washington) -- Judicial Watch launched an investigation into "day labor" facilities in Seattle, Washington. Judicial Watch also sent warning letters to Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council on September 13, 2007 concerning the legality of its taxpayer-funded day labor site for illegal aliens. Judicial Watch initiated its investigation in response to requests from Seattle citizen taxpayers and property owners outraged that public funds are used to subsidize criminal violations of federal immigration laws at day labor facilities operated by "CASA Latina," a self-described 'group of community activists' dedicated to empowering Latino immigrants.

Note: Federal immigration laws make it illegal to "encourage or induce an alien come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law." - [8 U.S.C. 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv).] Federal immigration laws also make it unlawful to aid or abet the commission of such acts. - [8 U.S.C. 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(II).]

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Judicial Watch Launches Investigation, Media Campaign in Texas Against Illegal Immigration (Austin/Dallas, Texas) -- Using the open records process, Judicial Watch has launched an investigation of illegal immigration policies in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Judicial Watch is also working with local anti-illegal immigration activists to use legal pressure and the media to rally public opposition to illegal alien sanctuary policies.

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Judicial Watch Travels and Investigates Border Patrol Policies on the Front Lines in Illegal Immigration War (Tucson, Arizona)
-- Since 2005, Judicial Watch's investigations team has been conducting a thorough review of Border Patrol policies in Arizona, which is on the front line in the fight against illegal immigration. Judicial Watch participated in Border Watch programs and interviewed active and retired U.S. Border Patrol Agents in its investigation of the illegal immigration crisis. Moreover, in April 2007, Judicial Watch dispatched its Director of Research and Investigations Chris Farrell to Tucson, Arizona, which serves as Headquarters of U.S. Border Patrol, to report on the violent and chaotic situation on our nation's southern border.

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Judicial Watch Helps Prevent Illegal Aliens from Soliciting Work in the Streets of Cave Creek (Cave Creek, Arizona) -- Judicial Watch worked closely with town officials in Cave Creek, Arizona to implement new laws preventing illegal aliens from loitering and soliciting work in the streets. Illegal alien day laborers had been blocking traffic on public roads creating a major safety hazard for the citizens of Cave Creek.

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Judicial Watch Launches Thorough Review of Illegal Alien Policies in Yuma (Yuma, Arizona) -- Judicial Watch conducted a thorough review of illegal alien policies in Yuma Arizona. As part of its investigation, Judicial Watch worked with the District Attorney, business leaders, police, victim's assistance officers, county sheriff, hospital administrators, doctors, and the Drug Enforcement Agency to obtain a thorough overview of a city on the front line of the illegal immigration battle.

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Judicial Watch Warns Officials in Portland to Stop Bankrolling Illegal Alien Day Labor Site (Portland, Oregon) -- Judicial Watch warned public officials in Portland, Oregon regarding its taxpayer-funded day labor site for illegal aliens.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Illegal Immigration Policies Following Brutal Murder in Newark (Newark, New Jersey): Judicial Watch launched an investigation of Newark's illegal immigration policies following a brutal murder perpetrated by an illegal alien. Newark is a known sanctuary city for illegal aliens.

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Judicial Watch Uncovers Shocking Records Detailing Mexican Government Incursions (National): Judicial Watch obtained shocking records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the FOIA that document 278 confirmed incursions by Mexican government personnel into the United States between 1996 and 2007. The records describe incidents involving shots fired on both sides of the border, unmarked helicopters invading U.S. airspace, drug smuggling, and confrontations between U.S. Border Patrol agents and armed members of the Mexican military. Prior to release to Judicial Watch, the Department of Homeland Security evaluated the information in the report as "For Official Use Only" and containing "Law Enforcement Sensitive Information."

Note: "MEXICAN MILITARY INCURSION (ARMED/INTENTIONAL) TUCSON SECTOR/SONOITA SECTOR -- On July 5, 2007 a Border Patrol Agent encountered six subjects dressed in tan colored BDU style clothing. A military style Humvee and a black Suburban were parked on the Mexican side of the border. Two of the subjects appeared to be carrying bundles of narcotics on their backs." -- Records from the Border Patrol Field Intelligence Center uncovered by Judicial Watch through the Freedom of Information Act.

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Judicial Watch Uncovers Documents Detailing Illegal Immigration Enforcement Training Program for Local Law Enforcement
(National): In July 2006, Judicial Watch uncovered documents detailing how local communities can legally and cost effectively enforce immigration laws through a training program administered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In September of 1996, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (then the Immigration and Naturalization Service) added Section 287(g) to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
(IIRAIRA). Section 287(g) gives eligible local law enforcement officers the opportunity to receive "cross-designation" training in illegal immigration enforcement techniques. Judicial Watch's discovery proved false claims by illegal immigration activists, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), that illegal immigration enforcement is purely a federal matter and that local governments are prohibited from enforcing immigration law.

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Judicial Watch Brings Transparency to Security and Prosperity Partnership (National): On March 23, 2005, heads of government Vincente Fox of Mexico, George W. Bush of the United States, and Paul Martin of Canada launched the North American partnership at a meeting in Waco, Texas, with the expressed goal of "a safer, more prosperous North America." Proponents of the partnership claim its purpose is to increase security and prosperity for all three nations through enhanced cooperation. Critics maintain the partnership will sacrifice U.S. sovereignty by establishing a "North American Union," with open borders and a common currency. In August 2006, Judicial Watch launched an investigation of the Security and Prosperity Partnership to bring as much transparency to its proceedings as possible. Judicial Watch has uncovered thousands of pages of documents made public on its Internet site,
www.judicialwatch.org/spp. Judicial Watch also filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Commerce for denying Judicial Watch access to meetings and documents.

Note: "It is also essential that throughout a pandemic all borders and major roads remain open. A reasonable grace period should be established at border crossings, during which time people lacking documents are educated about their options and allowed to pass." -- Recommendations to Security and Prosperity Partnership from the North American Council on Competitiveness.

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Legal Actions:

Judicial Watch Shuts Down Taxpayer-Funded Day Labor Site (Herndon, Virginia): On September 1, 2005, Judicial Watch filed a landmark lawsuit against the Town of Herndon, Virginia on behalf of concerned Herndon citizens opposed to the use of taxpayer funds to provide a day labor site and various other employment services for illegal aliens. (Fairfax County, which helped fund the day labor site, was subsequently added to Judicial Watch's lawsuit.) After a legal battle lasting more than three years, the Town of Herndon finally decided to shut down the day labor site rather than to continue facing Judicial Watch attorneys in court. The last date of operation for the Herndon day labor site was September 14, 2007.
Karunakaram, et al. v. Town of Herndon, CH 2005 4013, Fairfax County Circuit Court.

"We're pleased the Town of Herndon has finally shut down this illegal day labor site. This is a tremendous victory for Judicial Watch, its supporters and the citizens of Herndon, who believe sanctuary policies for illegal aliens violate the law and worsen the illegal immigration crisis. The rule of law is now affirmed in Herndon, Virginia." -- Judicial Watch President Tom
Fitton.

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Judicial Watch Battles LAPD and ACLU Over Special Order 40 (Los Angeles, California): Judicial Watch continues to battle the Los Angeles Police Department and the ACLU over Special Order 40, a set of policies and procedures that prevents police officers from inquiring about an individual's immigration status and communicating freely with federal immigration officials. Judicial Watch, which contends that Special Order 40 violates federal immigration law, filed a lawsuit on April 28, 2006. During the course of Judicial Watch's investigation and lawsuit, police officers demonstrated in deposition after deposition that Special Order 40 restricts their ability to ascertain immigration status and to communicate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Los Angeles County Superior Court recently issued a last-minute ruling that the case could not proceed to trial. Judicial Watch has appealed the ruling. Harold P. Sturgeon v. William J. Bratton, et. al., Case No. BC351646.

"It is inconsistent with department policy for officers to contact ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) if it's unrelated to a criminal investigation." -- Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, Los Angeles Police Department

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Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit to Shut Down Laguna Beach Day Labor Site (Laguna Beach, California): On October 3, 2006, Judicial Watch filed a taxpayer lawsuit in the Orange County Superior Court against the City of Laguna Beach for spending taxpayer funds to operate the Laguna Day Worker Center, a day labor site that helps illegal aliens find jobs and provides other public benefits, including English language instruction. Oral arguments in Judicial Watch's lawsuit began on September 17, 2008. Eileen Garcia, George Riviere v. The City of Laguna Beach, et al, Case No. 06CC10595.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Government Prosecution of U.S. Border Patrol Agents (National): Judicial Watch launched an investigation of the U.S. government's decision to prosecute Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, two U.S. Border Patrol agents involved with the shooting of a Mexican illegal alien drug smuggler, Oswald Aldrete-Davila. The U.S. government provided Aldrete-Davila with immunity in exchange for his testimony. Ramos and Compean were convicted and will spend more than a decade in prison. Judicial Watch filed Freedom of Information Act Requests to uncover documents related to what deals, if any, were made between the governments of the U.S. and Mexico related to the incident. On March 27, 2007, Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit after the Department of Homeland Security failed to respond. On June 12, 2008, Judicial Watch filed a similar open records lawsuit against the U.S. State Department. Judicial Watch, Inc. v. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Civil Action No. 1:07-cv-00506
(RJL).

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Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit Against Former New York Governor Spitzer Over Plan to Issue Driver's Licenses to Illegals (New York,
NY): On October 31, 2007, Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit on behalf of a New York taxpayer in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Suffolk County against disgraced former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer over a new policy implemented on September 21, 2007 that would have "give[n] all New Yorkers the opportunity to apply for driver's licenses without regard to immigration status." Within days of Judicial Watch filing its lawsuit, former Governor Spitzer rescinded the policy Staudenraus v. Spitzer, Index No. 07-33872.

"The American people speak with one voice on the issue of illegal immigration. State and local officials are expected to help enforce immigration laws, not undermine and violate them." -- Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton in a statement to the press following former Governor Eliot Spitzer's decision to abandon his plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal aliens.

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Judicial Watch Supports Hazleton Ordinances Against Employment, Harboring of Illegal Aliens (Hazleton,
Pennsylvania): On March 2, 2007, Judicial Watch filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in support of two ordinances enforced by the City of Hazleton relating to the employment and harboring of illegal aliens. One ordinance prevented individuals without proper identification from renting a house or apartment in Hazleton, while the other prohibited local businesses from hiring illegal aliens. Pedro Lozano, et al., v. City of Hazleton, Cause No. 3:06cv1586. (Judicial Watch also filed an amicus curiae brief at the appellate level as well in a lawsuit that is ongoing.)

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Judicial Watch Challenges San Francisco Police Department Sanctuary Policy (San Francisco,
California): On February 22, 2008, Judicial Watch filed an appeal of a lower court ruling on behalf of a San Francisco resident challenging the San Francisco Police Department's sanctuary policy. This policy prohibits police officers in the bay area from notifying federal immigration authorities when they arrest a person they suspect to be an illegal alien for various narcotics offenses. Oral arguments in Judicial Watch's lawsuit began on September 16, 2008. Fonseca v. Fong, Case No. 507-227.

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Judicial Watch Supports Law Banning Illegals from Seeking Work in Redondo Beach (Redondo Beach,
California): On July 6, 2007, Judicial Watch filed an amicus curiae brief in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California in support of a City of Redondo Beach, California ordinance banning illegal aliens from seeking work on city streets. U.S. District Court Judge Consuelo Marshall ruled in April 2006 that the ordinance, first implemented in 1987, violated the illegal aliens' First Amendment right to free speech and issued an injunction preventing police from enforcing the law.

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Judicial Watch Files Supreme Court Brief to Punish Businesses That Hire Illegal Aliens (Canyon County,
Idaho): On July 30, 2008, Judicial Watch filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) lawsuit filed by Canyon County, Idaho against four large employers of illegal aliens. Canyon County alleges that during their employment, some of these illegal aliens committed crimes, thereby costing the county millions of dollars for criminal justice services as well as health and welfare services. Judicial Watch filed the petition for Canyon County with co-counsel Howard W. Foster, a renowned RICO expert with the Chicago law firm, Johnson & Bell, LTD. Canyon County v. Syngenta Seeds, Inc., et al.

"RICO is a tool that can be used to fight illegal immigration. Businesses who hire illegal aliens could be subject to RICO lawsuits," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The lower courts in this case have ignored the plain language of the RICO statute and we hope the Supreme Court takes this opportunity to reaffirm the rule of law." -- Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton

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Judicial Watch Files Helps Shut Down Taxpayer-Funded Day Labor Site in New York (Southhampton, NY): Judicial Watch filed an amicus curiae brief with the New York State Supreme Court in Suffolk County in support of concerned residents of the Town of Southampton and the Village of Southampton opposed to the Village's plan to use public funds to operate a day labor site for illegal aliens. Judicial Watch contended the Village of Southampton's proposal for a taxpayer-funded day labor site violates federal and state law. Ultimately, thanks in part to Judicial Watch's efforts, Southhampton's illegal day labor site was shut down.

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Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit to Obtain Documents Regarding Washington, DC Illegal Immigration Policies (Washington, DC): On March 8, 2007, Judicial Watch filed an open records lawsuit as part of its investigation of the Washington, DC Police Department's illegal immigration policies and procedures. Judicial Watch, Inc v District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Civial Action 0001719-07. Washington, DC is a sanctuary city for illegal aliens.

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Judicial Watch Investigates Chicago Illegal Alien Sanctuary Policies (Chicago, IL): On December 22, 2006, Judicial Watch filed an open records lawsuit as part of its investigation of the Chicago Police Department's illegal immigration policies and procedures. Judicial Watch, Inc. v. Chicago Police Department, #06CH28084. Chicago is a sanctuary city for illegal aliens.

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Public Education:

Judicial Watch Hosts "New Fronts in the Immigration Battle' Panel and Publishes Special Report: On May 18, 2006, Judicial Watch hosted an educational panel entitled "New Fronts in the Illegal Immigration Battle: Amnesty, Law Enforcement, Human and Drug Smuggling," at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Judicial Watch also published a special report based on the panel discussion. Panelists included: T. J. Bonner, President, National Border Patrol Council; Erin Anderson, Arizona Property Owner/Help Save Herndon/
ANCIR; Steven Camarota, Director of Research, Center for Immigration Studies; Janice Shaw Crouse, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Beverly LaHaye Institute.

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Judicial Watch Hosts "Local Governments and Illegal Immigration Panel" and Publishes Special
Report: On February 28, 2006, Judicial Watch hosted an educational panel entitled, "Local Governments and Illegal Immigration," at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Judicial Watch also published a special report based upon the panel discussion. Panelists included Hazleton, Pennsylvania Mayor Louis
Barletta, Virginia House of Delegates member Jackson Miller, and Beaufort, South Carolina city council member Starletta Hairston.

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Judicial Watch Hosts "Security and Prosperity Partnership" Panel: On June 20, 2007, Judicial Watch hosted a panel discussion entitled, "Security and Prosperity Partnership -- Threat or Opportunity" at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Critics charge the partnership intends to eliminate borders between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Panelists include: Dr. Robert Pastor, CNAS Director; Phyllis
Schlafly, Eagle Forum; Rosemary Jenks, NumbersUSA, and David Bohigian, U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Judicial Watch Launches Internet Site, www.sanctuarybusters.org: In 2008, Judicial Watch launched a new Internet site,
www.sanctuarybusters.org, to rally public opposition to sanctuary policies for illegal aliens. Visitors to the Internet site can deliver an online petition directly to the governor of their state demanding that sanctuary policies for illegal aliens be abolished and that federal immigration laws be enforced.

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Judicial Watch-Zogby Poll: American People Want Immigration Laws to be Enforced: March 22-26, 2007, Judicial Watch commissioned a nationwide poll conducted in partnership with Zogby International concerning the American people's attitudes towards illegal immigration and published the results. According to the poll, 66% of likely voters believe that more emphasis should be placed on law enforcement when addressing the issue of illegal immigration, including 51.6% of Hispanics and 56.8% of self-described political "liberals." Only 5% said the emphasis on law enforcement should be diminished, including 3% of Hispanics. A total of 79% believe public officials should not use taxpayer funds to operate day laborer sites that help illegal aliens, including 71.9% of Hispanics and 70% of self-described political "liberals." And 72% of likely voters believe local law enforcement officers should help enforce federal immigration laws, including 40% of Hispanics and 55% of self-described political "liberals."

Note: According to the results, 66% of likely voters believe that more emphasis should be placed on law enforcement when addressing the issue of illegal immigration, including 51.6% of Hispanics and 56.8% of self-described political "liberals." -- Judicial
Watch/Zogby Poll, March 22-26, 2007.

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Judicial Watch Publishes Border Patrol Survey Report: On June 28, 2005, Judicial Watch published a special report entitled, "Border Patrol Survey Analysis," that proved President Bush's "temporary guest worker" proposal of January 7, 2004 was broadly interpreted as an illegal immigration amnesty program around the country and abroad. The Bush administration ordered the U.S. Border Patrol to survey apprehended illegal immigrants concerning President Bush's proposal. The results indicated that President Bush's proposal had actually lured greater numbers of illegal immigrants to violate the law. Politically inconvenient and/or potentially embarrassing data from the Border Patrol survey resulted in the Bush administration's decision to stop the survey on January 27, 2004 and instruct Border Patrol agents not to discuss it. The U.S. government never released a report based on the survey. Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit to compel the government to release documents related to the survey.

"Do not speculate about the [temporary worker] program. Do not talk about amnesty, increase in apprehensions, or give comparisons of past immigration reform proposals. Do not provide statistics on apprehension spikes or past amnesty data." -- White House "Approved Talking Points" related to the U.S. Border Patrol Survey obtained by Judicial Watch.

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Judicial Watch Rallies Public Support for Illegal Immigration Law Enforcement Through Nationwide Media
Campaign: In addition to publishing special reports, holding educational panels and issuing news releases related to the illegal immigration crisis, Judicial Watch representative are frequently interviewed on the illegal immigration issue by top news outlets, including: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and countless national talk radio programs. Virtually every major news outlet in the country has covered Judicial Watch's campaign to enforce our nation's immigration laws.

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Other:

Judicial Watch Defends Police Officer Against ACLU Attack (Scituate, Rhode Island): On August 28, 2006, Judicial Watch wrote a letter to Col. Stephen Paret, the superintendant of the Rhode Island State Police in support of Officer Thomas Chabot. On August 19, 2006, Officer Chabot detained 14 individuals during a traffic stop that he suspected of being in the United States illegally. The ACLU immediately launched an investigation of Officer Chabot accusing him of overstepping his authority. Judicial Watch defended Officer Chabot, telling Col. Paret that "a law enforcement official in Officer Chabot's position had clear authority to take appropriate action."

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Judicial Watch Provides Expert Testimony on Illegal Immigration Ordinance (Palm Bay,
FL): On August 3, 2006, Judicial Watch's Director of Investigations Chris Farrell testified before the Palm Bay, Florida City Council concerning a city ordinance that would fine employers who hire undocumented workers in the city. The city council ultimately approved the ordinance.

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Judicial Watch Warns Thousand Oaks, California, about Legality of Taxpayer-Funded Day Labor Site (Thousand Oaks, California): On July 31, 2007, Judicial Watch sent a letter warning the City of Thousand Oaks, California, about the legality of its taxpayer-funded day labor site for illegal aliens. Documents obtained by Judicial Watch through the California Public Records Act indicate that the City of Thousand Oaks has expended in excess of $133,000 in taxpayer funds between 2001 and 2007 to subsidize the day labor site that serves illegal aliens.

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