When Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff waived environmental laws to speed up building "the fence", outraged environmentalists turned to the courts. The NY Times suggests rather they turn to Congress. It was Congress's Secure Fence Act of 2006 that gave the secretary his sweeping powers. Now it is Congress's burden to undo its earlier folly. It will not be easy in this charged anti-immigrant atmosphere.
, , , AND THE L.A. TIMES WONDERS ABOUT ICE'S NEW AND GENTLER RAIDS
Recently, when ICE made a raid in Van Nuys, CA, it took the trouble of alerting social service agencies and immigrant advocates so as not to have a repeat of last year's heavy-handed raids in New Bedford, CN. The LA Times commended ICE for its civility. Even when the agency was caught denying counsel to those it took into detention, it backed off. But the Times is not entirely convinced by a more compassionate ICE. These concessions would never have been made had not immigrant advocates, community groups, local and state agencies not protested loudly and embarrassed the agency. The pressure must continue.
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