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Protesters target Simi church
Group sought citizen's arrest of illegal immigrant inside
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Rob Varela / Star staff Naui Huitzilopochtli of Westminster was sprayed in the face with a chemical agent as he demonstrated at the United Church of Christ. He was taken by ambulance to Simi Valley Hospital. Police said the spraying was being investigated.
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Protesters target Simi Valley Church >>
Rob Varela / Star staff Robin Hvidston of Upland, center, joins participants in a Save Our State protest Sunday at the United Church of Christ in Simi Valley. An illegal immigrant who is wanted for deportation is living in the church's former parsonage.
Dozens of angry, loud people stood on each side of a Simi Valley church's driveway using bullhorns and overworked vocal cords to hurl insults at each other in an immigration protest Sunday.
They faced off at the United Church of Christ, where a congregation of about 80 people is sheltering an illegal immigrant from Oxnard and her U.S.-born infant son. Wanted for deportation, the woman is living in the church's former parsonage as part of a national New Sanctuary Movement aimed at keeping families together.
The protest was organized by an anti-illegal immigration group called Save Our State that came with the hopes of making a citizen's arrest. Members were met by a small but loud group of counterprotesters calling for amnesty and the end of deportation raids.
Adding to the dynamic were about nine skinheads who tried to join the Save Our State group but were rejected and then directed by police to their own swath of sidewalk. They quietly waved American flags and signs protesting illegal immigration.
No arrests were made — citizen or otherwise — but Naui Huitzilopochtli of Westminster, an immigration advocate, was writhing in pain after being sprayed in the face with a chemical agent, allegedly by an opposing protester. He was taken by ambulance to Simi Valley Hospital. Simi Valley Police Capt. John McGinty confirmed the incident and said it was being investigated.
Some church members watched the demonstration from the driveway but stayed out of the direct fire and even tried unsuccessfully to convince immigration advocates not to stage a counterprotest.
The Rev. June Goudey wouldn't answer questions but said in a statement that the church would continue to provide shelter to Liliana, the Oxnard woman who won't give her last name.
"What we have is a faith stronger than fear and a belief that doing justice is a high and holy calling," Goudey said.
About 120 people came to the protest, many of them from outside Ventura County. United Church of Christ members seemed to be the only ones holding their tongues. Protesters calling for Liliana's deportation carried signs with slogans like "Mothers Against Illegal Aliens" and "Don't Attend this Law Breaker Church."
They alternated between pleas for Liliana to give herself up, and loud, sometimes profane exchanges with counterprotesters.
"We're frustrated Americans," said Save Our State spokeswoman Chelene Nightingale, "and we represent all of the millions of Americans that were calling on Congress to stop amnesty. We're here to let other Americans know that we're here fighting for our nation and for our children."
They wanted to do more than shout. Nightingale said Save Our State members wanted to make a citizen's arrest but realized during the protest they weren't going to get anywhere near Liliana.
So she asked group members to call a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hotline and demand Liliana's arrest.
Closely watched by about 15 police officers, the protesters ranged in age from an 18-year-old community college student from Simi Valley to 80-year-old Dee Barrow of Upland, who wore a wide-brimmed hat as protection against the sun.
"I'm here because I'm for the movement for the illegals to go home," said Barrow.
The counterprotesters carried signs that read "No to Minuteman Terrorism in Ventura County." Though they didn't have bullhorns, the counterprotesters also were loud and profane. They chanted about what they perceive as the driving motivation behind the anti-illegal immigration movement.
"We're opposing racism in all forms," said Daniel Smallwood of Ventura, part of a group called the Anti-Fascist Coalition.
"Basically, we knew the press was going to be here. We didn't want the Minutemen to get all the attention."
Nightingale said her group is multiracial and does not want to be affiliated with any organization that espouses racism.
As for Liliana, a church official said she attended the Sunday morning service held as the rally raged outside. She had no comment on the protest.
Posted by TheSportsLogoPundit on September 17, 2007 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh boy! An immigration article. You know what that means don't you?
Here come the trolls...
Posted by ebrockway on September 17, 2007 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like the first troll posted above.
About time a protest on the other side of the debate was covered. I'd like to know how many were actually local, or is this bunch from out in the desert somewhere?
Posted by NothingButTheTruth on September 17, 2007 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can't we all just get along by following the law?
Posted by simivalleystar on September 17, 2007 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I won't say here what side of the issue I am on, because it is irrelevant to this post. To see this level of bigotry, racism and hate FROM BOTH SIDES in our peaceful city is a crying shame. These people, BOTH sides, have made themselves look totally foolish and childish in front of the city and the world. To see human beings stoop to this low makes me profoundly sad. What accomplishments can either side claim to have done in this display? All they have done (in my opinion) is to crush any trace of credibility to their cause. How can any stable, reasonable human being, listening to these people walk away with any credible message, through the profanity and hate? Instead of stating their cause, BOTH sides shifted their message to yelling racial slurs and insults to the other sides, and forgot their REAL purpose. What a waste of time and energy.
Posted by cassandra on September 17, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Upland?
I can't believe there aren't enough Neanderthals in Simi Valley to stage their own terrorizing of a church and woman an her children.
Posted by Face on September 17, 2007 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our laws are an illusion, our sovereignity does not exist. Our churches are political sanctuaries, our lawmakers are lawbreakers. Solutions from the other side? Of course not, of course not. How about we make ALL mexican citizens defacto U.S. Citizens? Let's change the status quo one way or the other.
Posted by Poppa on September 17, 2007 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Inside the Church were 80 Christians following the teachings of Christ, outside were the Minutemen, skinheads and Nazi's who drove in from outside of Simi. I'm sure the Christians inside could feel how the Christians of Rome felt as they were burned at the stake for following Christ. I had no stand before this, but now I stand with those in the church and what they are doing!
Posted by tobnerb on September 17, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a Sunday School teacher at UCC-Simi, I will say that it seems like a joke to me that either the protesters or counter-protesters claim to be doing something "for our children." The biggest challenge for me yesterday was trying to make sure the children attending our services didn't hear the profanity and racial slurs being shouted outside by both sides.
Posted by simivalleystar on September 17, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ten33dispatcher: What makes me profoundly sad is the WAY they all (both sides) "demonstrated". Please read my post completely before you respond. I said nothing about the excersize of the first amendment making me sad.
Everyone (including you and me) has the first amendment right to protest. If the protesters (on BOTH sides) wanted to send the message that they were childish, biggoted and hateful, then they succeeded. No matter how low any human can go, they have the first amendment right to show it.
Posted by RC on September 17, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
geez..what is this world coming to? There is a WAR going on and these people have nothing better to do but to pick on a single mother and her baby. Get a life!
Posted by carexpritch on September 17, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I once got a speeding ticket from a cop. Obviously, that cop was a racist for wanting to enforce the law.
Posted by terryt6666 on September 17, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There would not have been a demonstation and protest outside the church if the church had not wanted it so. It was rather obvious that they wanted it so. If they had not then they would not have advertised the fact that they were harboring an illegal. So it looks like all sides in the protest got exactly what they wanted....PUBLICITY.
Posted by hungrywulf on September 17, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Protesting is legal-remaining in the U.S. without legally being here is not.
Harboring a fugitive of the law is also illegal.
There is a way to attain citizenship here legally. Many have done so.
The message sent from those who support illegal rights to be on US soil is a wrong one.
Ref;
illegal
il·le·gal [i-lee-guhl]
–adjective
1. forbidden by law or statute.
2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.
Posted by imbetnonit on September 17, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does this church also harbor bank robbers, murderers and pedofiles?
Posted by hotwildflower on September 17, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why don't they put this much effort into protesting in Mexico? Illegal means illegal...period.
Why do these people think they deserve citizenship and rights ahead of those who are obeying the law and becoming a citizen legally?
My husband came here legally, went thru the whole process, paid his dues and now can legally vote and he votes against all of this because it is a slap in his face that he waited in line and obeyed the laws while there are people like this who have their outragouse sense of entitlement!
Posted by AnnaWhaat on September 17, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to agree with Terry6666, WHY did this church come out in the first place with an article about harboring this lady???? Did they think they were doing a good thing? No one was going to be upset? Seems to me they just made it worse off for Lilliana and her bout with the law. And bad for the church. They should have just kept it to themselves.........
Posted by sci2 on September 17, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't they go do citizen arrests in gang-infested neighborhoods? Why targeting a woman with a child? Because she is an easier prey?
Posted by happytaxpayer on September 17, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People should go to church and practice Gods words instead of fighting out side of one.
Posted by Tom_Johnston on September 17, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are huge differences between those in the anti- illegal immigration debate. Most are nothing like Nazi's, even skinheads are more like a "Nazi-lite". Yes, everyone in this country does have a right to take a position on an issue such as this and be active in their advocacy.
What is disturbing is the extent to which so many veer towards hostility, irrational thought and even hate talk. Rudeness gives way to hostility, this demonstration starts to sound more like mob actions with talk of "citizens arrests". What's next? Get a rope? Activisim is fine, but vigilantism starts to go over the edge I think
If you read about Germany in the 1930-40's most Germans weren't Nazi's at all, but they let the extremists of the Nazi Party lead them to do things that are similar to what we see now. A relatively small, and for the most part defenseless group of people are blamed for more and more of societies problems, often with limited or minimal basis in fact.
The whole debate and problem (and yes, I believe the undocumented workers are a problem) needs to stick to reasoned and rational discussion. something that seemed to be in short supply outside a church in Simi Valley.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on September 17, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder who the true extremists are?
Posted by Tom_Johnston on September 17, 2007 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TA..they exist on both sides of this discussion.
I would say that the "extremist" is someone who comes to a point of view based only on ideology, without even a reasonable grounding in truth and basis in facts.
To be sure, facts can be disputed, but that is what reasonable people do, examine facts and contrast them and seek truth, even when it is not what we wanted to find.
Extremists have little need of facts, beyond the ones that they define because they reason not from logic but rather from beliefs and faith solely.
For "extremists" facts can be quite bothersome, but they are usually able to resist logic by a combination of "belief" and "faith".
Nothing inherently wrong about belief and faith, but when you start from a position where your head is up your butt...well....when you are done..you are still a butthead.
Posted by bill on September 17, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A couple of thoughts...
Who can be surprised that a Church would harbor a law breaker? Look at what the Catholic Church has been doing with all the pedophile priests for years.
What group of people are more "extreme" or "bigoted" than those that are religious? If you don't believe in their "faith" than you will be branded "bad, wrong, non-believer", etc. They always preach "love" but only if you agree with their beliefs.
Providing "shelter" to a person because they are here illegaly is a political statement, not a human rights issue. The illegals will not be prosecuted if returned to their home country, nor will they be in any danger. If the church wants to be involved in politics then I wish they would lose their tax exempt status. Wonder how long they would stay open if the members couldn't deduct the contributions from their income and save taxes.
Historically more people have been killed due to religious beliefs than in political wars. Even today most of our problems are related to religious differences.
Think about it.
Posted by Tom_Johnston on September 17, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll go with bill on his comments with regards to "Historically more people have been killed due to religious beliefs than in political wars. Even today most of our problems are related to religious differences."
It goes to extremism. Religious faith tends to do that.
Posted by egg on September 17, 2007 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...skinheads.
...illegal aliens.
...trying to move a mountain one pebble at a time.
We must look with in ourselves, for peace and satisfaction. Illegal Imigrants are not going anywhere. Face it. They are a part of this community and food chain just like you and I.
The government has allowed this to happend. Only the governnment, and it will continue to happend.
Posted by rhvidston1 on September 18, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This church is breaking the law by aiding and abetting a woman who forged documents - a felony - and entered the U.S. ILLEGALLY. This church should be TAXED as it is a political entity. NOTE TO IRS - investigate and TAX this church.
Posted by elnsie on September 18, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The immigration issue and hard feelings pumped up therewith are important tools for the Republican party to get people away from issues like Iraq and health care. I predict that very soon we'll hear about flag burning. Why are you lemmings not learning that you are being manipulated to avoid thinking about more consequential issues? Until we teach our children how to think critically this country will continue on its downward fall. The first step is for adults to question manipulation like this.
Posted by tonyw on September 18, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a church they should read their Bible
Romans 13
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
I'm sorry she abused her kid by making him go through this.....
Posted by tonyw on September 18, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Bill, Communism has killed more than all religious wars combined...
http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM....
Posted by Erkine_Childers on September 18, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think you can rely on the bible as a source for argument in most issues. It is always manipulated and interpretted to fit a specific situation. That bible quote sounds contradictory to me- first it says to submit to governing authority, then says there is no authority except which God has established. How are we supposed to know which he has established? Well, Nazi Germany in the 30's and 40's was a governing authority, so was it a sin not to submit to that authority? Anyways, Jesus also didn't submit to the governing authorities, and was actually killed by them, so....I'm no bible expert, but if I remember right, he also hung out with and helped criminals. I have a feeling that if he were here today, he would also help that woman.
Posted by FedUp on September 18, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
does anyone know anything about the chemical agent that was sprayed in the face of a counter-protestor?? did the spray come from an SOS protestor, or a skinhead??? or was it from one of the pro illegal protestors who misfired??? I would be curious to hear the outcome of that.
the church is breaking the law. that much is true. Lilliana broke the law, and now is facing the consequences of her actions.
I dont think she needs to be the center of this immigration debate, since 60% of the 18th st gang in LA are known illegals, but the church brought the attention on her.
and I agree with those above who say the church should now be taxed.
Posted by kali.moore on September 18, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sounds like a great idea! let's take out the frustration on a mother and her children at a church because it's all their fault! it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with government. it's her and her children!
these people are idiots and apparently have nothing else better to do in their time! to have that kind of hate and anger in front of a CHURCH!!!!????whoa! who are THEY to judge.
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