BajaNomad

LA Times: Without a country, In Mexicali a haven for broken lives

Ken Cooke - 5-26-2012 at 10:33 PM

Link to article


Years ago, Ramos, 45, grilled up pricey seafood in a tiki-themed restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Now, he's serving starchy meals on plastic plates. One of his busboys worked at the Shanghai Grill in Beverly Hills; another is a 28-year-old U.S. Marines veteran.

The diners, who remove their sweat-stained caps to accept the food with grateful nods, have been deported from the U.S. as recently as eight hours ago. They are penniless, unshaven. Some are barefoot.

Mario Ramos has served thousands like them.

Some helped build Las Vegas subdivisions. There was a sushi chef from Anaheim, a tree trimmer for the city of Oakland and a man who swept the stands at Chicago's Soldier Field. There was a pig farmer from South Dakota and a Hollywood High School graduate who helped design sets. A janitor from Philadelphia who had learned Hebrew working at a yeshiva.

Ramos keeps one eye on the food and another on the dining area with the torn tablecloths. He spots a man reaching for his plastic fork. "No eating until we pray," he says. After the last man takes his seat, heads bow.

In this quiet moment, the men think about how they got to this decrepit hotel named for their plight: El Hotel Del Migrante Deportado — the Hotel of the Deported Migrant. Traffic infractions, drug offenses and drunk driving tickets mostly; in some cases, violent crimes.

They blame America for exploiting their labor, then discarding them. But they also are haunted by their mistakes, accomplices to their own downfall.

The U.S. offered me opportunities, and I blew it.

We're here for being reckless.

I lost everything because of my stupid mistake.

My wife warned me: You shouldn't be drinking and driving.

Honestly, the American dream is over.

durrelllrobert - 5-27-2012 at 08:08 AM

My daughter had an undocumented worker cooking at her restraurant, and others in the area, for about 15 years. He got married, had a baby and decided that he should return to Mexico and start process to become legal. She drove him to border with some clothing and a round trip airline ticket from TJ to Juarez to meet with his immigration attorney. On the US side he was stopped and asked for his papers. Since he had none he was held for 8 hours, his ticket and money confiscated and then deported into Mexico. He is currently broke and staying with friends in Ensenada, trying to find a job as cook or waiter so he can earn enough money to start the legalization process.

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 08:42 AM

Just truly tragic, and I sincerely mean that.

And once again they are confronted with the age-old fact that there are consequences for the decisions we make.

Barry

DENNIS - 5-27-2012 at 09:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
And once again they are confronted with the age-old fact that there are consequences for the decisions we make.

Barry


And there are a lot of heartless Border Patrol pricks out there to keep the scofflaws reminded of that.
Why is it that the US Homeland Security cabal seems so often to choose the wrong target? Why arn't they down in gangland showing everybody how powerful and effective they are?

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 09:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
And once again they are confronted with the age-old fact that there are consequences for the decisions we make.

Barry


And there are a lot of heartless Border Patrol pricks out there to keep the scofflaws reminded of that.
Why is it that the US Homeland Security cabal seems so often to choose the wrong target? Why arn't they down in gangland showing everybody how powerful and effective they are?


Because that is not their job, Dennis. "Border Patrol" and the Customs Agents assigned to the BORDER are just that-----Border Control Agents. Can you invision having to deal with the hordes of folks crossing the border everyday and totally keeping their cool, and objectivity?? I can't.

I cut them some slack, but then that is just me.

I recall working the Glamis Dunes on big holiday weekends with thousands of people tearing about, and losing my cool a few times when people acted, well---------CRAZY. It (and working the Border) is NOT a fun job!!!!

Barry

DENNIS - 5-27-2012 at 10:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Because that is not their job, Dennis. "Border Patrol" and the Customs Agents assigned to the BORDER are just that-----Border Control Agents.



If this is an example of their finest work, you need to reevaluate their mission, Barry.
Quote:

On the US side he was stopped and asked for his papers. Since he had none he was held for 8 hours, his ticket and money confiscated and then deported into Mexico.



They probably shouldn't be copping feels from four year olds at the airport either. Is this a method devised by their finest minds?
Scarey.

One more thing...."Border Patrol" is a euphemism for "Immigration." Does their scope of attention stop when the issue is out of sight of the linea?
Immigration is an internal issue, as will as a fringe issue. It's an issue throughout the country....not only on the edges.

Anyway....as far as I'm concerned, they do a pee-poor job at everything they try, and I'll appreciate them as much as you do........when they give me something to appreciate, and that instance, illustrated above, won't be what I'm looking for.

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 10:29 AM

I think you know the answers to all your questions, Dennis.

Bad actions of a few should not tarnish the entire Agency, IMO. AND, there are always at least 2 sides to EVERY story when it is controversial------I have not heard the other side yet.

There are "Border Agents" and internal USA Agents within the Agency-----different people doing different aspects of the same job, but you know that.

To me all this banter is simply a distraction from the original issue brought up---------namely ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and the problems they run into when caught---------no amount of bashing Homeland Security makes THAT issue go away, or even mitigates it in my mind.

They broke the law, and now they are paying a price---------notwithstanding any "attrocities" that may (or may not) have happened to them along the way---------THAT is an entirely different issue, to me anyway.

Barry

mes1952 - 5-27-2012 at 11:44 AM

for anyone who feels sorry for the U.S. Border Agents, etc., just ask them HOW MUCH MONEY THEY MAKE YEARLY WITH OVERTIME. If you are like many of us who are making $10/hour or less and only able to work part time which is the norm now in the U.S., you will think twice about them having such a hard and difficult job.

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mes1952
for anyone who feels sorry for the U.S. Border Agents, etc., just ask them HOW MUCH MONEY THEY MAKE YEARLY WITH OVERTIME. If you are like many of us who are making $10/hour or less and only able to work part time which is the norm now in the U.S., you will think twice about them having such a hard and difficult job.


I don't "feel sorry for them", I just don't like them being bashed, and offerred a possible explanation for some of them not acting in a stellar fashion at times. Yes, it's a good job income-wise, and has great benefits long-term which is why so many gravitate into those jobs. I can assure you that the training is long and difficult [done at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA]

I am sorry that you are in the position that you are in, mes1952, and hope that things improve soon.

Barry

pascuale - 5-27-2012 at 01:53 PM

Maybe you should run for Director of Homeland Security Dennis, then you can solve all the immigration problems:lol:
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
And once again they are confronted with the age-old fact that there are consequences for the decisions we make.

Barry


And there are a lot of heartless Border Patrol pricks out there to keep the scofflaws reminded of that.
Why is it that the US Homeland Security cabal seems so often to choose the wrong target? Why arn't they down in gangland showing everybody how powerful and effective they are?


[Edited on 5-27-2012 by pascuale]

DENNIS - 5-27-2012 at 02:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pascuale
Maybe you should run for Director of Homeland Security Dennis, then you can solve all the immigration problems:lol:


I'm as qualified as Napolitano ever was/will be. I mean....how was she chosen for the job? It makes no sense whatsoever.




.

[Edited on 5-27-2012 by DENNIS]

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 02:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by pascuale
Maybe you should run for Director of Homeland Security Dennis, then you can solve all the immigration problems:lol:


I'm as qualified as Napolitano ever was/will be. I mean....how was she chosen for the job? It makes no sense whatsoever.




.

[Edited on 5-27-2012 by DENNIS]


I 120% agree, Dennis !!!!!!!!!!

Some sort of "pay off" deal!?!?!?!? It is very strange.

Barry

sancho - 5-27-2012 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
One more thing...."Border Patrol" is a euphemism for "Immigration." Does their scope of attention stop when the issue is out of sight of the linea?





Indeed, what's with the idea they serve ONLY within sight
of the Border? They take ILLEGALS in every State of the US.
I find it confounding that after an illegal clears the Hwy 5
checkpoint here in San Clemente they are rarely targeted
except for the crimes they may commit. Although most ALL
of us, if we were born in a dirt street puebla in Mex would
be hopping the fence to come to Estados Unidos.
Whats the guesstimate on Border Patrol salary,
$160,000+ is my guess . Tough job, I think not, just another
Govt worker, patting themselves on the back, waiting
for their overpaid retirement

Barry A. - 5-27-2012 at 05:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
One more thing...."Border Patrol" is a euphemism for "Immigration." Does their scope of attention stop when the issue is out of sight of the linea?





Indeed, what's with the idea they serve ONLY within sight
of the Border? They take ILLEGALS in every State of the US.
I find it confounding that after an illegal clears the Hwy 5
checkpoint here in San Clemente they are rarely targeted
except for the crimes they may commit. Although most ALL
of us, if we were born in a dirt street puebla in Mex would
be hopping the fence to come to Estados Unidos.
Whats the guesstimate on Border Patrol salary,
$160,000+ is my guess . Tough job, I think not, just another
Govt worker, patting themselves on the back, waiting
for their overpaid retirement


Salary for Typical Border Patrolman with many years of exerience runs from about $40K to $65K GROSS for Field Agents. Your "guess" Sancho is just not even close.

Can't speak for others, but my Fed. Retirement as a Fed. Ranger (very similar to BP agents) runs about $1,700 net per month, and we have to pay for Medicare Part B out of that, and we get no Social Security.

More assumptions again, and grossly wrong in this case.

Barry

TMW - 5-28-2012 at 10:31 AM

[done at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA]

That was my first duty station when I joined the navy in 1962, NAS Glynco, Brunswick, GA. I also remember as if yesterday walking into the exchange and hearing Kennedy had been shot.

DENNIS - 5-28-2012 at 10:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
I also remember as if yesterday walking into the exchange and hearing Kennedy had been shot.


Clear in my memory banks too.....Student Center - Orange Coast College.
It was all so......confusing.

Immigration "Law"

Ken Cooke - 5-31-2012 at 07:03 PM

This is a new story that reminds me of this article.

Star student stranded in Mexico due to Leap Day error

The Indiana high school homecoming queen stuck in Mexico on an immigration technicality received her U.S visa today allowing her to come home for her graduation.
Star Frankfort High School senior Elizabeth Olivas, 18, was due on a flight back to Indiana on Thursday night her Indianapolis attorney Sarah Moshe said.
Six weeks ago, she returned to Chihuahua to get a visa, as required by U.S. immigration law, but the lawyers Olivas used forgot it was a leap year, sending her one day too late, leading to her being banned from returning to America.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2153037/Star-student...

Ateo - 5-31-2012 at 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
I also remember as if yesterday walking into the exchange and hearing Kennedy had been shot.


Clear in my memory banks too.....Student Center - Orange Coast College.
It was all so......confusing.


OCC rules. I went there in 94'. ;D