Gonzalez Arrested For The Murder Of San Jose Hells Angels President

Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew

Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez

Photo: Sparks Police Department

Campus police spotted suspicious vehicle, investigated and later identifed Gonzalez who was wanted in Nevada for murder.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 30, 2011

San Francisco, California - On Thursday, Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, 53, from San Jose was taken into custody during a routine traffic check about a block from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Police Department, according to Paul Berlin, UCSF Assistant Police Chief. Gonzalez, a member from Los Vagos Motorcycle Club was wanted in connection for the September 23, homicide of Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, 51, president of the San Jose Hells Angels chapter at John Ascauga's Nugget Casino.
Gonzalez was inside a parked 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with Washington State plates, the UCSF police reported. UCSF Police Sergeant John Gutierrez was patrolling the area due to recent reported burglaries in the neighborhood when he noticed a vehicle with a driver inside parked half a block from the University's Mission Center building (MC) at the 1800 block of Folsom Street.
Sgt. Gutierrez parked behind the Malibu and approached Gonzalez who seemed nervous at the time. When his name was checked in the computer for warrants by Sgt. Gutierrez, Gonzalez name came up with a warrant for homicide in Nevada.
Gonzalez was taken into custody around 8:20 p.m. Pacific time on Thursday and is awaiting an extradition request from Sparks, Nevada authorities to face homicide charges.
UCSF Police Chief Pam Roskowski gave credit to Sgt. Gutierrez for the arrest of Gonzalez.
The criminal complaint states, that Gonzalez shot Pettigrew four times in the back with a .40 Caliber handgun. A video surveillance camera caught Gonzalez walking up to Pettigrew in the casino and then shot him multiple times. Gonzalez after the shooting put his gun away on his waist belt and just walked away from the scene. Pettigrew was attending the 18th Annual Street Vibrations Motorcycle Rally in Sparks, Nevada.
The five day motorcycle rally was cancelled by City of Sparks Mayor R. Geno Martini to avoid further bloodshed. The rally draws more than 30,000 people annually.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Gonzalez From Los Vagos Sought For Fatally Shooting San Jose Hells Angels President In The Back

Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew

Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez

Photo: Sparks Police Department

Washoe County DA issued a warrant for Gonzalez, a member of Los Vagos Motorcycle Club in connection with the San Jose Hells Angels president Pettigrew homicide .

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 29, 2011

Sparks, Nevada - On Thursday, the Washoe County District Attorney's Office unsealed an affidavit that identified Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, 53, as the alleged suspect who fatally shot Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, 51, at the John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino. Both Gonzalez and Pettigrew are from San Jose, California. Pettigrew, president of the San Jose Hells Angels Chapter in California was gunned down inside the casino. Gonzalez is a member of the Vagos Motorcycle Club.
Sparks Police Detective John Patton stated in an affidavit, that Gonzalez was caught on video surveillance walking up to Pettigrew and then shot him in the back multiple times. Pettigrew suffered four fatal shots in the back from a .40 Caliber handgun. Patton confirmed that seven fired .40 Caliber casings were recovered nearby where Pettigrew was killed on Friday.
The Washoe County District Attorney's Office issued a warrant for Gonzalez arrest.
Pettigrew and members of the Hells Angels were attending the 18th Annual Street Vibrations Motorcycle rally in Sparks, which draws more than 30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts for the five day event. The rally was cancelled by Sparks Mayor R. Geno Martini to avoid further bloodshed after Pettigrew was killed and three members of a rival motorcycle club Los Vagos were wounded in the shootout.
Two Vagos members shot in the melee were identified as Diego Garcia, 28, who was shot in one leg and Leonard Ramirez, 45, who was reported shot in the abdomen and is recovering from the injury. Shane Smith, 40, another Vagos member was shot in a drive-by the next day at another location.
Cesar Villagrana, 36, a member of the Hells Angels was arrested and charged for assault with a deadly weapon and in possession of a stolen weapon, according to the criminal complaint. Villagrana was caught on video surveillance shooting at a crowd of bikers and people. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 12, and is being held on a $500,000 cash bail, according to court records.
California court documents state, that Villagrana was charged in March for possession of a handgun. He got into a motorcycle accident in Aptos on March 17 and police investigating the scene found a loaded baretta handgun among his gear on the road. He pleaded not guilty. The case is pending.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

South Florida's ICE Chief Director Charged With Three Federal Counts Of Child Pornography

Anthony Mangione

South Florida ICE's chief facing up to 20 years in federal prison.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 29, 2011

West Palm Beach, FL - On Tuesday, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Anthony Mangione, 50, from Parkland on child pornography charges. A three count federal indictment alleged that Mangione transported, received and possessed child pornography.
Mangione is the South Florida chief director for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. He pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and is facing up to 20 years in federal prison and more than five years probation, if convicted on all charges.
Mangione was placed on administrative leave in April when FBI agents, including deputies from the Broward County Sheriff's Department found explicit images of child pornography in his computer.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Spin Milwaukee Employees Catch Graffiti Tagger In The Third Ward

Officer Leno discovers multiple cans of spray in tagger's backpack.

Photos: HNG

Police detained suspected tagger in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 28, 2011

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, three employees and other good samaritans were able to chase and catch a teen suspected of being a graffiti tagger. An employee at Spin Milwaukee, a table tennis club at the 200 block of E. Chicago St. in the Historic Third Ward heard skateboarders in an alley and also heard a spray can being shaken. Some graffiti was tagged in the wall, according to an employee.
When he investigated, at least three youths fled the scene and three employees from Spin Milwaukee chased the suspected taggers for about four blocks South on E. Pittsburgh Ave. Other people came to the aid and about 8:43 p.m. they were able to catch one of the suspected taggers at the Northeast corner of E. Pittsburgh Ave. and S. Water St.
A witness said, the teen threw a backpack over a fence. The backpack was recovered and Police Officer Leno who arrived at the scene with other officers discovered multiple cans of spray cans inside the bag.
The teen was detained and police are looking for two more suspected taggers. It's extremely difficult and rare to catch taggers vandalizing buildings with graffiti.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Federal Laws Don't Prohibit States From Inquiring Legal Status Of Students, Judge Blackburn Ruled

Federal Judge Sharon L. Blackburn

Photo: AP

Ruling would require all schools to determine the legal status of students and police can hold illegal immigrants without bond.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 28, 2011

Birmingham, Alabama - On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn in Alabama ruled that “federal law doesn’t prohibit the state from requiring schools to check the immigration status of students or from requiring police to determine the status of suspected illegal immigrants.” Blackburn's decision to allow the key portions of an Alabama immigration bill to stand comes from the temporary injunction last month to block House Bill 56 (HB 56) from taking effect. The injunction was set to expire on Thursday.
Police can hold illegal immigrants without bond, make it a felony for illegals to do business with the state, prohibit courts from enforcing contracts with illegal immigrants and making it a misdemeanor for illegal immigrants not to carry legal immigration documents, according to Blackburn's decision.
She blocked four other sections of the bill until a final decision is made at a later date. The sections temporarily blocked included, making it a crime for illegals to work, for providing transportation and housing to illegals, prohibit businesses from taking tax deductions on wages paid to illegals and allowing lawsuits for discrimination when terminating legal workers and then hiring illegal workers.
Alabama had passed HB 56, which is considered one of the strictest immigration state bills in the country.

Federal judge Blackburn's 115 page decision ruling on Alabama's HB 56 (PDF) at link: http://bit.ly/prlhSM

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Mexican IME Advisor Elected To Represent Wisconsin

José de Jesús Cabrera Sandoval

Photo: HNG

Historic Mexican community election for IME advisor takes place in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 26, 2011

Milwaukee - On Sunday, José de Jesús Cabrera Sandoval was elected for a three year term (2012-2014) as an advisor for the Advisory Council (Consejo Consultivo) to the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior, IME) during a one day election. Cabrera Sandoval was elected in absentia and is currently in Mexico. Cabrera's election campaign to IME advisor in Milwaukee was handled by his family while he remained in Mexico.
Mexican nationals in Wisconsin were given a rare opportunity to democratically cast their vote for a candidate to represent them in IME. Within the last ten years, IME advisors were selected among acquaintances in Wisconsin and very minimal information was made public.
Several months ago, Raul Ventura Ortiz from Chicago, Illinois, a member of the IME electorial process appeared in Nfoque Latino, a Spanish radio talk show on WJTI 1460 AM and invited people to participate in the IME election. It was actually the first time in a decade that Mexican nationals in the Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and surrounding cities learned about an IME public election process.
The IME election took place on Sunday at Voces de la Frontera (VDLF), 1027 S. 5th St. in Milwaukee. The three canidates were Jaqueline Ramos Martínez, is the Vice President Assistant/Marketing Financial Officer at Mitchell Bank; Gilberto González Martínez is the General Manager at WJTI 1460 AM radio La Nueva Ritmo and José de Jesús Cabrera Sandoval, an Ecclesiastical Judge with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Tribunal and Canon lawyer, all are from Milwaukee. Martínez received 108 votes, González 24 votes and Cabrera 120 votes.
Two people that voted apparently took the ballots with them after voting and the votes weren't registered, according to Juan V. Ruiz, an organizer for VDLF. Ruiz who was an observer in the IME election process said, some of the people showing up to vote thought that they were actually going to vote for a Mexican Consul. He was able to explain that IME and the Mexican Consulate are two separate entities.
The Consul is nominated by the Mexican President, the nomination is sent to the Secretary for Exterior Relations (SRE) for review, background check and then to the Mexican Congress for approval.
Other election observers at VDLF were, Jorge Mújica Murias, an IME electorial process member from Chicago and Ernesto Nava from Milwaukee, according to Ruiz.
Mújica Murias stated, We decided, at the local IME Election Committee in Chicago (which covers Wisconsin), that Wisconsin's election of the Council member should be open as we have always done it in Illinois. Also, that in Illinois there should be affirmative action and three women (out of six council members) should be elected regardless of the number of votes they got, because in the last three generations of council members (18 total), only two women had won in open elections.
The IME advisor when selected is assigned a committee within IME and he/she only serve in an advisory position and meet at least once a year in Mexico as a whole body. There are 111 elected IME members from the U.S., including three from Canada and 10 selected members from Hispanic organizations and Mexican social civic groups. They also get to meet the current Mexican president during their two year position.
An IME advisor doesn't work with the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, which is a separate entity. Advisors can provide information to the SRE about the needs of the Mexican community abroad. The SRE later decides, if the Mexican Consulate needs to address the issues an IME advisor presents.
In Illinois, Patricia Martínez Sandoval received 197 votes and was elected as an IME advisor. She is a radio personality and Production Director for La Campeona Radio on the Internet and WPJX 1500 AM radio, both transmitted from Waukegan and Northbrook. The other elected IME advisors were Elvia Torres, 291 votes; Frank de Avila, 255 votes: Juan Carlos Cisneros Vázquez, 239 votes; María de León, 227 votes and Gerardo Carlos Torres with 215 votes, according to Ventura Ortiz.
The Mexican government created IME on April 16, 2003 to help enhance the social and human asset of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. IME developed programs to aid Mexican nationals to integrate into the U.S. life style by providing civic, health, education, financial services, immigrant rights and political awareness for immigrants while living in the U.S.
About 95 percent of Mexico's immigrant population (more than 11 million) reside in the U.S. and 83 percent of them live in just ten states, according to a January 2010 IME report by the Migrant Policy Institute.

List of IME candidates for 2012-2014 (PDF) at link: http://goo.gl/dq3Re

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Primera Hora Newspaper Female Editor Found Decapitated In Nuevo Laredo

Photo: La Policiaca

Newspaper editor found dead in Madero neighborhood.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 25, 2011

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Saturday, the State Attorney General's Office reported the discovery of a female body that was decapitated at the Cristóbal Colón Monument. Police investigators responded to a call at 7:45 a.m. about a body that had been dumped at the monument site.
The woman was identified a María Elizabeth Macías Castro, 39, an administrative staffer (editor of information) at the Nuevo Laredo Primera Hora newspaper. Her body was found on the grass section and her head was place on top of a round cement ball, so that early commuters could notice the gruesome scene at the Madero neighborhood.
Castro was last seen on Friday afternoon when she left the newspaper, according to police.
A sign placed next to the body said, that Castro was killed for posting messages about drug trafficking and criminal activity in the area. The message warned others about placing messages on social networks and the Internet, including webpages the "Nuevo Laredo en Vivo" and "Denuncias Cuidadana."
Castro used the alias name of Nena de Nuevo Laredo to post messages. Authorities are unsure how the killer or killers discovered who she was and then murdered her. Police believe the Zetas were connected to the homicide.
Eleven days ago, police found two bodies hanging from Los Mayas pedestrian bridge near the airport. A 28-year-old woman and 25-year-old man were tortured and killed for posting alerts about criminal activity in the city on the following blogs, "Blog del Narco" and "Al Rojo Vivo." 

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

San Jose Chapter Hells Angels Leader Killed During Gunfight With Los Vagos

Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew

Fatal motorcycle club dispute between Los Vagos and Hells Angels motorcycle clubs resulted in homicide.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 25, 2011

Sparks, Nevada - Police reported that Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, 51, president of the San Jose, California chapter of the Hells Angels was fatally shot just after 11:27 p.m. on Friday at a local casino hotel. Pettigrew died after getting shot while inside the John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino hotel by a rival motorcycle club member from Los Vagos. No one has been arrested in connection with Pettigrew's death.
Pettigrew worked for the San Jose Department of Transportation for more than 20 years. He was well known in the area, especially in the biker scene.
Two Vago members were also shot in the melee inside the hotel. They were identified as Diego Garcia, 28, who was shot in one leg and Leonard Ramirez, 45, who was reported shot in the abdomen. Ramirez is expected to survive.
Cesar Villagrana, 36, a member of the Hells Angels was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and in possession of a stolen weapon, according to police. Villagrana was caught on video surveillance shooting at a crowd of bikers and people.
California court documents state, that Villagrana was charged in March for possession of a handgun. He got into a motorcycle accident in Aptos on March 17 and police investigating the scene found a loaded baretta handgun among his gear on the road. He pleaded not guilty.
The City of Sparks was taking part in a five day event of the 18 Annual Street Vibrations Motorcycle Rally over the weekend. The event draws more than 30,000 people. But after the reported homicide, Mayor Geno Martini cancelled the event to avoid further bloodshed.

Cesar Villagrana

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Driver In Fatal Motorcycle Wipeout Crash Sought After Leaving Scene

Brandon J. Siebert

Motorcycle driver fled the scene and left injured female passenger at the scene.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 24, 2011

Racine - Brandon J. Siebert, 26, of Caledonia is being sought by police in connection with the fatal motorcycle wipeout crash that resulted in the death of Melissa R. Corona, 24. A news release from Racine police stated, just after midnight on Thursday, Siebert was traveling Northbound on the 2000 block of Lathrop Avenue in an excess speed driving a 1999 Suzuki motorcycle when he lost control and crashed.
Both Siebert and Corona, a motorcycle passenger were ejected on impact. Siebert was able to get up and then fled the scene leaving Corona at the scene.
Corona was taken to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital by the Racine Fire Department rescue unit and later died due to injuries from the crash, according to Lieutenant Charles Weitzel, Acting Public Information Officer.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

42-year-old Milwaukee Man Charged For Stabbing Female Victim

Jose Luis Leon-Velazquez

Victim survived stabbing and suspect charged.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 24, 2011

Milwaukee - Last Tuesday, Jose Luis Leon-Velazquez, 42, waived his preliminary hearing after being charged with one felony count of first degree reckless injury in connection with the stabbing of a 28-year-old woman. Leon Velazques is accused of stabbing the victim once during a domestic incident on September 5, in Milwaukee's South side.
The criminal complaint states, after stabbing the victim, Leon-Velazquez drove her to the hospital and dropped her off without going into the hospital. He then went home to pack his clothes on bags and was intending to flee the city.
Police arrested Leon-Velazquez at the 1400 block of W. Washington St. He was found hidden in an upper apartment building closet and several bags were packed containing Leon-Velazquez clothes. 
The 28-year-old victim survived the stabbing, but needed surgery.
Leon-Velazquez was released on parole on July 5. He was convicted on drug charges and was sentenced to five years in prison, but actually only did one year on the drug charge, according to court records.
Cash bail of $60,000 was set for Leon-Velazquez, and a parole hold was also issued by a state parole officer in Wisconsin.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Milwaukee Brewers Take National League Central Champs 2011 Title

Milw., WI (HNNUSA) - On Friday, the Milwaukee Brewers break open bottles of champagne to celebrate National League Central Division Champs 2011 title in the club house at Miller Park Stadium after 29 years. The Brewers are heading for the playoffs.
More than 40 thousand fans helped celebrate the victory at Miller Stadium.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Captain Pixley Takes Over Police District 2 Station In Milwaukee's South Side

(L-R) Milwaukee Police Officer Jesus Gloria and Captain of Police Rebecca L. Pixley. Photo: HNG

Captain of Police to welcome residents during Open House on Oct. 1st.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 23, 2011

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, Police Officer Jesus Gloria from the Second Police District announced that newly appointed Captain of Police Rebecca L. Pixley will be present to welcome local residents during their 2011 Open House for the station on October 1st. The one day event will take place at Police District 2 station, 245 W. Lincoln Ave. between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. People can take a tour of the station during the event and learn about the numerous resources available to the community at large.
Captain Pixley replaced former Captain Donald J. Gaglione from the Second District station. She was appointed by Police Chief Edward A. Flynn on August 23, to fill the Captain's vacant position, which became available on September 18. Pixley was a Police Lieutenant in Police District 5 and a member of the Tactical Enforcement Unit, before being promoted by Flynn.
Officer Gloria reported that numerous specialty units will be present during the Open House for the public to view and enjoy. Some of the units will be the Mounted Horse Patrol, Command Post, Tactical Enforcement Unit, Canine Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, Dive Team and Police Boat, Cadillac Police Truck, the Milwaukee Fire Department, Bell Ambulance, especially the "Police Rhino" known as the surveillance unit and more, according to Officer Gloria.
Police District 2 serves more than 87,000 residents and is located in the predominately Hispanic community district.

The Police Rhino surveillance unit parked in front of Taino's Sports Bar, which three windows were shot at in May and haven't been replaced making it an eye soar for thousands of people that drive through S. 6th St. and W. National Ave. everyday.

Photo: HNG

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Ortiz Draws Support For Milwaukee County Supervisor Bid

(R-L) Dagoberto Ibarra phrased Sylvia Ortiz for her work in the community.

(L-R) Francisco Camacho and Sylvia Ortiz posed for a photo.

Photos: HNG

Supervisor candidate drawing support from the South side community.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 21, 2011

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, former candidate for Alderman in the 8th District Dagoberto Ibarra phrased Milwaukee County 12th District Supervisor candidate Sylvia Ortiz for her work to make the community a better place to live in and voluntary work in the South Side. Ibarra said, one thing for sure, Ortiz does know that Arizona borders with Mexico. He mocked the current County Supervisor for the 12th District Peggy Romo West, who became infamous for not knowing that Arizona actually borders with Mexico.
Ortiz is the only candidate for Milwaukee County Supervisor to challenge West in 2012. West ran unopposed in 2008 for her second four-year term.
More than 60 supporters attended the fundraising event at La Carreta Restaurant on W. Greenfield Ave. The fundraiser is in the early stages of an election campaign to unseat Supervisor West.
12th District Alderman James Witkowiak also attended the event, including attorney Vincent Bobot, a former candidate for Milwaukee Mayor. Marilyn Figueroa, who was instrumental in electing the first two Latinos to public office from Milwaukee, an Alderman in the 12th District (Angel Sanchez) and a State Representative in the 8th Assembly District (Pedro Colón) was also present at the fundraiser. Chez Ordoñez, who filed to run for Alderman in the 8th Aldermanic District and El Conquistador Newspaper Publisher Victor Huyke also attended Ortiz' event.
Ortiz, a Real Estate Broker owns her own business. She works and resides in Lincoln Village, which is part of the predominately South side Hispanic district. Ortiz graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a B.A. degree in Political Science.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Colombian Feds Crush Major Drug Financial Operation Associated With El Chapo Sinaloa Druglord

Dolly Cifuentes Villa

Major Cartel de Sinaloa financial, money laundering and smuggling operation shutdown in Colombia.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 21, 2011

Medellin, Colombia - On Wednesday, the Colombian National Police (CNP) reported a major financial setback for the Cartel de Sinaloa in Mexico. Since August until last week, the CNP was able to shutdown a major financial and drug smuggling operation connected to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Authorities confiscated about 150 properties worth more than $53 million from a family associated with Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera, drug kingpin for the Sinaloa Cartel. They seized multiple bank accounts, dozens of businesses and 10 airfields with clandestine runways, including 31 private airplanes that were used for smuggling cocaine. The CNP also arrested more than 35 people in the smuggling operation.
Last August, the CNP arrested Dolly Cifuentes Villa, 47, aka, "La Mano" who owned and operated dozens of financial businesses in Colombia, Panamá, Mexico, Brazil and in the U.S. The businesses were used for laundering millions of dollars for the Sinaloa Cartel. Villa was charged with laundering money and a drug smuggling operation. Villa's drug operation smuggled thousands of pounds of cocaine into the U.S. from multiple Latin American countries.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Former Milwaukee Police Officer Charged By Feds With Sexual Assault And Civil Rights Violation

Ladmarald Cates

Former officer facing life in prison, if convicted by feds.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 21, 2011

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a federal indictment against former Milwaukee Police Officer Ladmarald Cates, 43. Cates was charged with felony counts of violating a 19-year-old woman's civil rights and using his service weapon during duty to commit sexual assault on July 16, 2010.
The woman made a 911 call in July, while Cates was investigating a brawl at the 1500 block of Center St. He allegedly assaulted the victim and forced her to perform sex acts and oral sex inside a residence, while his partner and her family were outside. When the victim complained to police, they held her for 12 hours before taking her to the hospital to get evidence from the alleged sexual assault.
She apparently begged police to be taken to the hospital for medical help, but it was not until officers from the internal affairs department had finally interviewed her that she received medical attention.
Cates was later fired in December by Police Chief Edward Flynn and the internal affairs department recommended charges. But, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office failed to file charges several times. Cates had prior incidents on his record that the police department failed to terminate him, which should have raised a red flag, according to the victim's attorney.
If convicted, Cates if facing up to life in a federal prison and fines up to $250,000.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Two Trucks Carrying 35 Bodies Abandoned During Rush Hour Traffic In Veracruz Mexico

Photo: El País

Unidentified drivers fled the scene leaving two trucks full of bodies in the middle of the roadway near a shopping mall in Boca el Rio.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 21, 2011

Boca del Rio, Veracruz, Mexico - On Tuesday, two unidentified drivers abandoned several trucks full of bodies on the roadway blocking traffic during rush-hour near the Las Américas shopping mall. Authorities discovered 35 bodies in the trucks parked in the middle of the Manuel Ávila Camacho Blvd. in the municipality of Boca del Rio, according to Reynaldo Escobar Perez, the Veracruz State Attorney General.
Some of the bodies were identified as men who had criminal records. Police say, the bodies consisted of 23 men and 12 women that showed signs of torture before being murdered.
All of the people reported killed are believed to be members of the Zetas.
Authorities and Mexican Federal Police continue to search for the truck drivers who dumped the bodies in Boca del Rio.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Hong Kong Police Reported Record Cocaine Bust Worth $600 Million

Cocaine was displayed during a press conference.

Eight suspects arrested in connection with major drug bust.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 18, 2011

Hong Kong - On Sunday, the Hong Kong Police Narcotics Bureau reported the largest cocaine bust in history for the police force. Police confiscated 567 kilograms (1,250 pounds) or a ton of cocaine in the city worth $600 million Hong Kong Dollars ($76.9 million U.S.) in street value.
Eight suspects were taken into custody, including an American, a woman from Colombia with Hong Kong residency and 5 Mexican nationals, according to a police news release.
On September 16, police acting on a tip detained four men and two women ranging from ages 24 to 40 and recovered 50 kilograms from their possession in Fuk Hang Tsuen. Police on Saturday arrested a 49-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man in Yuen Long in connection with the case.
Police also raided four homes in vicinities of Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Chung, Mong Kok and Cheung Sha Wan and seized another 50 kilograms. In Mong Kok, police found $50,000 U.S. in cash.
On Sunday police went to a recycling warehouse and discovered another 467 kilograms of cocaine and packaging equipment. The warehouse is supected of being a center for cocaine storage and distribution in the Hong Kong area.
The criminal complaint stated, the cocaine was compressed into bricks, hidden in motor oil and brake fluid containers and covered with pastic recycling refuse. The cocaine operation used waste material to smuggle the drug into Hong Kong. The increase of local business for exporting and importing waste and recycling material made it difficult to detect the smuggling of drugs, according to officials.
Last April, police while investigating a missing man report went to a rural Fanling house and discovered 372 kilograms of cocaine in 26 boxes hidden in the roof. The missing man went to the home to settle a debt, but hasn't been seen, according to family members who reported him missing. The man is still missing, police suspect foul play.
Hong Kong Police charged Pang Yuet-wan, 52, and seven other men with the Fanling cocaine seizure worth $42 million U.S.

UMOS Mexican Independence Parade and Festival Draws Thousands In Milwaukee's South Side

Salvador Villanueva, a local and popular Mariachi singer initiated the festivites at UMOS.

Photo: HNG

Despite early threat of showers festival drew crowds.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 18, 2011
(Updated)

Milwaukee - On Sunday, the one day United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) Mexican Independence Day and Parade drew about 4,000 festivalgoers in the early stages of the event, despite light drizzle. Lingering rain showers continued throughout the afternoon, but festival organizers kepted the festival open.
Live entertainment, food and music continued passed 7:30 p.m. Organizers were contemplating about shutting down the event early due to continuous rain and cool weather conditions.
Elaborate parade and makeshift floats that made their way from South Divison High School, along S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr. and East on W. Arthur St. to the UMOS Corporate Headquarters on S. Chase Ave. during the parade brought out the local residents to join the festivities.
Salvador Villanueva, a local and popular Mariachi singer initiated the festivites at UMOS. Thousands packed the UMOS parking lot grounds to hear Villanueva sing. Second to entertain the public was Becky López, who sang a few songs. Banda Nueva Emperadora gave the finale presentation at the UMOS Mexican Independence Festival at the Corporate grounds on Sunday evening. The festival ended at 8:00 p.m.
In May, the UMOS SpringFest for Cinco de Mayo was cancelled early in the day due to rain, thunderstorms, lighting and high winds that kept crowds away. Rod Richardson, spokesperson for UMOS confirmed on Sunday, that next year's SpringFest will not be as large as prior years, but will take place. Richardson's confirmation puts to rest rumors that it would be cancel.

Banda Nueva Emperadora gave the finale presentation at the UMOS Mexican Independence Festival at the Corporate grounds on Sunday evening. The festival ended at 8:00 p.m. Photo: HNG

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

25-year-old Drunk Driver Charged For Striking Three Bicycle Cops In Milwaukee's South Side

Gaudencio Ruiz-Ramirez

Alleged intoxicated driver tested 0.15 for Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC).

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 16, 2011

Milwaukee - On Friday, Gaudencio Ruiz-Ramirez, 25, was charged with one felony count of hit-and-run, involving injury and three misdemeanors for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing injury with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 over the legal limit. Ruiz-Ramirez is accused to striking three Milwaukee Police Officers riding on bicycles on September 9, just after midnight while they were riding along a bicycle lane in the 1100 block of W. Lincoln Ave. A fourth bicycle officer was not injured.
Ruiz-Ramirez fled the scene, but was later arrested.
He pleaded not guilty and cash bail was set at $5,000 and is expected back in court on September 23, for a preliminary hearing. Police did not specified, if Ruiz-Ramirez is undocumented or had a driver's license.
A Spanish interpreter had to be assigned for the court hearing.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Wisconsin GOP Legislature Moving Forward To Bar Felons And Misdemeanor Offenders From Working

Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills)

GOP legislators in Wisconsin proposing to allow educational agencies and others to terminate or keep from hiring unpardon felons, including those with misdemeanor offenses.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 16, 2011

Milwaukee - On June 8, the Committee on Labor, Public Safety, and Urban Affairs approved to move forward on the proposed Senate Bill 86 (Assembly Bill 122/AB 122), which would permit an educational agency to refuse to employ or to terminate from employment an unpardoned felon. The bill would also allow for employers to fire staff with a misdemeanor and other minor offenses or reject employment solely on offenses.
State public school districts, charter school, private schools, state prisons, juvenile detention centers and cooperative educational service providers, including special needs agencies funded by the state and county service providers would be affected, according to State Senator Albert Darling (R) and Co-sponsor Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt's (R) SB 86 bill.
On Thursday, the bill drew criticism from Milwaukee County Supervisor Eyon Biddle Sr. From the 10th District. Supervisor Biddle Sr. blasted Senator Darling and Representative Joel Kleefisch for the proposed SB 86 bill that would allow employers to refuse employment or fire an individual who has been convicted of a felony, eventhough they served their time and are not in supervision. "Now they (Republicans) plan to legalize workplace discrimination," Biddle Sr. wrote in a news release. Governor Scott Walker (R) and the Republican controlled Legislature are graduately diminishing humans rights and for citizens to earn a living.
Briddle Sr. stated, he is currently crafting County Board legislation opposing SB 86 discrimination bill and practice by the GOP legislators who are sponsoring the bill.
Senate Bill 86 (AB 122) is sponsored by Senators Darling, Schultz, Galloway, Leibham, Lazich and Wanggaard; co-sponsored by Representatives Thiesfeldt, Petrowski, Kestell, Ziegelbauer, Jacque, Spanbauer, Endsley, A. Ott, Nygren, Bernier, Kerkman, Steineke, Brooks, Mursau, Kleefisch, LeMahieu, Kramer, Nass, Williams, Bies, Tauchen, Stone, Petersen, Pridemore and Vos.

SB 86 bill (PDF) version at following link: http://bit.ly/oamxOj

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Quintana Extradited To Mexico On Homicide Charges

Efrain Espinoza-Quintana is turned over to Mexican Federal Police.

Photo: ICE

Homicide fugitive from Mexico extradited to face charges.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 15, 2011

Nogales, Arizona - On Tuesday, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) turned over Efrain Espinoza-Quintana, 36, to Mexican federal authorities. Quintana was wanted by the Mexican federal Attorney General's Office for a May 2006 homicide in the state of Sinaloa. He fled to the U.S. to avoid prosecution in Mexico and was living in the country illegally. Quintana is accused of killing a man with a handgun during a fight, and also shooting and injuring a 14-year-old boy, according to ICE.
ICE reported that ERO agents assigned to the San Francisco Fugitive Operations Team arrested Quintana at the Kingsburg Superior Court in Kingsburg, California, on August 9, following his arrest for driving under the influence. ICE was alerted to Quintana's scheduled appearance by a liaison with the Mexican Attorney General's Office (PGR) in Los Angeles.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Casino Royale Massacre Masterminds Identified And Sought By Mexican Federal Police

Image: Narco Trafico en Mexico (Click to enlarge)

Four Zeta leaders in Monterrey identified by Mexican feds.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 14, 2011

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Wednesday, José Cuitláhuac Salinas Martínez, the Assistant Attorney General (PGR) for the region in Nuevo León identified four alleged Zeta leaders who mastermind the Casino Royale massacre. The Zeta suspects remain at large and up to $15 million pesos ($1,250,000 U.S.) reward is being offered for information leading to their arrest.
The Zeta suspects were identified as Francisco Medina Mejía, aka, "El Quemado," Baltasar Saucedo Estrada, aka, "El Mataperros," who is believed to be the second in command of the Zetas in the Monterrey region, Roberto Carlos López Castro or Alberto Alejandro Reyes, aka, "El Toruño" and José Alberto Loera Rodríguez, aka. "El Voltaje."
Authorities were able to identify the suspect through tips and confessions from other Zeta members who were taken into custody in connection with the Casino Royale massacre. In late August, a commando of Zetas entered the Casino Royale and killed at least 53 people. The Zetas opened fire at slot machines, fatally shot people, then threw granades inside and doused gasoline in the entrance and ignited it. Most of the casino exits were locked and people couldn't escape the burning building.
The Zetas tried to extort $10,000 from Raúl Rocha Cantú, the owner of the casino. Cantú refused to pay the Zetas. The Zetas in retaliation burned down the casino. Cantú fled Mexico and an international warrant for his arrest was issued by Interpol. He is believed to be in the U.S.
Several days later, authorities found the abandon vehicles used in the massacre. The feds were able to get fingerprints from one of the vehicles that let them to arrest Julio Tadeo Berrones Ramírez, 28, aka, "El Julio Rayas" from the Morales ranch in San Nicolás. Ramírez had a previous criminal record. Ramirez's arrest also led to the arrest of Luis Carlos Carrazco Espinoza, 25, aka, "El Chihuas" from Chihuahua, Javier Alonso Martínez Morales, 37, aka, "E Javo" from Monterrey, Jonathan Jahir Reyna Gutiérrez, 18,  from Monterrey and Juan Angel Leal Florez, 20, aka, "El Cash" or "El Casillas" from Monterrey.
Also Miguel Ángel Barrazo García Escamilla, a Nuevo León State Police Officer was taken into custody for helping the Zetas. Escamilla was the lookout during the mass muder and was captured in a surveillance video near the casino.
Salinas Martínez also identified 14 other Zeta suspects by their aliases who are wanted by the feds. They were identified as El Toro, El Junior, El Papas, El Colitas, El Vogar, El Tita, La Kitty or La Pelirroja, La Beba, El Negro, El Chimpas or Chimpa or Chilpa, El Flaco, El Huevo, El Tony and El Casillas.

The August news video of Zetas presented to media at link; http://bit.ly/rqHSGc

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Two Dead Victims Found Hanging From Bridge In Nuevo Laredo Mexico

Photo: Encuentro29 dot com

The victims were tortured and killed for reporting criminal activity in Nuevo Laredo.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 14, 2011

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Tuesday, police and the Mexican military responded to emergency calls by several people driving through the Nuevo Laredo airport highway, who noticed and reported two bodies hanging from Los Mayas bridge. Authorities arrived around 3:00 a.m. and found the body of a 25-year-old man wearing a white and blue stripes Polo shirt with red shorts and a 28-year-old woman, who was seminude and only wearing shorts with yellow squares design. Both victims showed signs of torture before being killed, according to the preliminary police report.
Two messages in several posters were also recovered. The messages indicated the victims were killed because they posted and reported criminal activity in social networks, including the Internet pages of Al Rojo Vivo and the Blog del Narco.
The killer or killers threaten to do the same thing to other people who reported criminal activity through social networks, Twitter and Facebook in the Nuevo Laredo area. They also threaten to kill those who manage the Internet pages. The messages were signed "Z," most likely meaning Zetas, according to authorities.
Al Rojo Vivo is a daily afternoon program aired by Telemundo and hosted by María Celeste and is also featured on the Internet. Los Zetas didn't confirm, if they were actually threatening to kill the host of Al Rojo Vivo. 
No other webpage except Al Rojo Vivo managed by Aguasdigital dot com was found in the Internet with the name of Al Rojo Vivo, including Telemundo's Al Rojo Vivo.
People throughout Mexico, especially in the border towns have resorted to using social networks, Twitter and Internet pages to denounce and report criminal activity in their area. Several years ago, most local media and newspapers around border towns between the U.S. and Mexico began censoring criminal activity news because they have been threatened. Criminal organizations have even attacked newspapers with granades or drive-by shootings. Some media outlets remained defiant, while others choose to limit reporting on criminal activity by drug cartels.
Reporters, journalists, editors and newspaper owners have been kidnapped and killed as a result of reporting criminal activity in Mexico. So far, 74 Mexican journalists have been killed since 2002 and 11 missing without a trace, according to Fundalex (Foundation for Freedom of Expression).

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Arizona Supreme Court Clears Way For Recall Against State Senator Pearce

State Senator Russell Pearce

Pearce and his supporters defeated from blocking recall election against the Senator.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 13, 2011

Phoenix, AZ - On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court Justices upheld a lower court decision to clear the way for state Senator Russell Pearce (R) to be recall. Pearce authored the controversial immigration enforcement Senate bill SB 1070, that authorizes law enforcement officers to question the legal status of suspects during domestic and traffic violations. Others states have copycat similar laws.
Most provisions of the SB 1070 law have been block by a federal judge. Governor Jan Brewer (R) has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to try and overturn the federal partial injunction on SB 1070.
Pearce and his supporters had launched a legal challenge to block his recall claiming petitioners committed illegal acts to get the required signatures for a recall.
In August, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Huge Hegyi ruled that the recall special election against Senator Pearce could move forward. On November 8, Pearce will face a recall, which will become the first ever in the state's history.
The Citizens for a Better Arizona was the recall group who got 16,949 signatures, more than the minimum 7,756 that was required for the recall. The Maricopa County Election Board certified 10,365 of the signatures.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Smoke Haze Covers Miller Park Stadium And Downtown Milwaukee Skyline

Photos: HNG

Smoke clouds blown into the Milwaukee area from Northeast Minnesota.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 13, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, heavy smoke haze from the Pagami Creek fire in Minnesota covered most of the Miller Park Stadium and Mitchell International Airport. The smoke haze created a two mile visibility in Milwaukee and the haze has settle for most of Wisconsin.
The City of Milwaukee skyline was covered with a smoke haze and is expected to continue for Wednesday as well. People with respiratory problems were being warned to wear masks or stay indoors, by health officials.
Stadium officials decided to close the roof to keep most of the smoke from getting inside while a scheduled game starts later today. The closed roof will keep baseball players and fans from inhaling it, according to officials.
The Pagami Creek fire began burning in an isolated remote area on August 18 and has burned 7,000 acres. Firefighters are having a difficult time getting into a remote area in the woods to control it and expect rain or snow to put it out.
The heavy smoke was blown into Wisconsin by a NW wind and will remain in the area until Wednesday. The winds are expected to change in the North direction by Thursday clearing the smoke, according to weather forecasters.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Brodhead Fined For Blowing Car Horn At Governor Walker's Home

Azael Brodhead

Image: Today's TMJ 4 report on Brodhead

Brodhead for more than 8 weeks had blown his car horn and then flipped his middle finger while passing through Governor Walker's home.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 13, 2011

Wauwatosa - Last Thursday, Azael Brodhead, 36, of Milwaukee pleaded no contest to unnecessarily blowing of a horn and was fined $166.20 by Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Mary Kuhnmuench, according to court records. Brodhead is a Mexican national, who became a U.S. citizen. He is a former veteran of the Iraq War and currently is a probation and parole offcier for the Department of Corrections in Wisconsin (DOC).
Brodhead was cited by Robert Simpson, a Wisconsin State Patrol Officer after Brodhead had for more than 8 weeks, day after day went by Governor Scott Walker's home at the 9800 block of Bluemond Road in Wauwatosa and blew his car horn and then flipped his middle finger to Walker's residence. State troopers are also stationed in front of Walker's home for security.
Governor Walker wasn't at home, but had heard of Brodhead's actions. Walker had no comments concerning Brodhead.
Brodhead had claimed he was exercising his First Amendment right when honking his horn and flipping his finger to Walker, but Judge Kuhnmuench found no precedent over blowing a horn as Constitutional protected free speech and found him guilty.
Brodhead has until December 7, 2011 to pay the fine, which is only a traffic forfeiture and not a criminal offense.
Today, Brodhead still drives his black Honda by Walker's home between 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and flips his middle finger to Walker without blowing his horn as a protest. Governor Walker took away union bargaining rights from most state employees.
The DOC is now looking into, if Brodhead violated any work policies by flipping his finger or blowing his horn at Walker's home.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Three Pittsfield Motorcycle Chapter Hells Angels Held Without Bail For Triple Homicide Charges

(L-R) David Chalue, Adam Lee Hall and Caius Veiovis, aka, Roy C. Gutfinski Jr.

Photos: Berkshire District Attorney's Office

Bodies of three men found Saturday by police.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 12, 2011

Pittsfield, Massachusetts - On Monday, a Berkshire County Circuit Judge Rita Koenigs denied bail for three members of the Pittsfield Hells Angels local after pleading not guilty to homicide charges. David Chalue, 44, of Springfield; Adam Lee Hall, 34, of Pittsfield and Caius Veiovis, 31, aka, Roy C. Gutfinski Jr., of Pittsfield were charge each with three felony counts for homicide, kidnapping and intimidating a witness. The suspects, if convicted are facing life in prison.
The suspects are accused of kidnapping and killing three men, David Glasser, 44, Edward S. Frampton, 58, and Robert T. Chadwell, 48. The victims had been missing since August 28, and their bodies were found last Saturday in a trench by police, the criminal complaint stated.
Glasser was killed because he was scheduled to testified against Hall in a pending robbery, kidnapping and assault criminal case, according to Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless.
Hall is the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club sergeant of arms of the local chapter.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Makeshift Memorial For 3-year-old Killed By School Bus Draws Mourners

Makeshift memorial setup to remember Yanelisse Correa, 3.

Photos: HNG

Wake and funeral services for Yanelisse to be held on Tuesday.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 12, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, the family of Yanelisse Correa, 3, will have a wake in her memory at the Church and Chapel beteen 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the 1900 block of W. Becher St. Funeral services will follow later.
During the afternoon, multiple people continued to stop at the makeshift memorial, while her uncle cleaned up the spot where candles had dripped wax.
On Sunday night, about 80 people and family members gathered at Yanelisse's makeshift memorial for a candle-light vigil to remember the child's happy moments and very short life.
Last Friday, police responded to an accident involving a 3-year-old girl running into the street and getting struck by a school bus. The child was identified as Correa by relatives. Correa apparently before 3:00 p.m. ran into the street trying to reach her grandmother on the other side of the street at the 1600 block of S. 28th St., who was removing groceries from a vehicle.
The child was struck by a school bus transporting special-needs students and is owned by Specialized Care Transport. At least six children were inside the bus when the accident occurred, according to school officials.
Correa was taken to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where she later died of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan from the 8th District who lives accross the street to Correa's grandmother tried to save the child when the accident happened, but she was not responding... it was a tragic and an unfortunate accident, according to Donovan.
With tears in his eyes, Donovan said, he'll never forget the face of the little angel as long as he lives.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

First Zeta Female Leader Arrested In Nuevo Leon By Mexican Marines

Verónica Mireya Moreno Carreón, aka, "La Flaka"

Photo: Televisa

Mexican Marines also arrested 80 Zeta suspects and dismantle a major communication Zeta network in Veracruz.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 12, 2011

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Sunday, the Mexican Secretary of Marines (Semar) announced the arrest of the first suspected female Zeta Cartel leader Verónica Mireya Moreno Carreón, aka, "La Flaka" or "La Vero" in charge of operations in the municipality of San Nicolás de la Garza. Moreno Carreón was taken into custody along with José de Jesús Molina, aka, "El Chuy" or "Mr. Chip."
Both suspects were driving a stolen vehicle in the Santa Fe Oriente neighborhood when Marines stopped them for an routine inspection. Marines found a .38 Caliber Special revolver in Moreno Carreón's possesion. Marines also recovered 100 small plastic bags of cocaine, 50 small plastic bags of hard cocaine, 2 packages of marijuana and 6 cellphones from the suspect's vehicle.
Moreno Carreón took over the Zeta criminal organization in the area after its former leader Raúl García Rodríguez, aka, "El Sureño" was arrested in August by the military. Other Zeta members are being sought in relation to the Casino Royale massacre.
Molina was in charge of providing communication equipment to the Zetas in the region.  
Last Thursday, Semar also reported that 80 supected Zetas had been arrested between August 10 to September 4, by Marines in the state of Veracruz. They were able to dismantle a sophisticated Zeta communcations system network that included antennas, batteries, amplifiers, solar cells, protable transformers, cable and other equipment. The equipment was confiscated in Tepetzintla, Pánuco, City of Veracruz, Xalapa, Orizaba, Córdoba, Naranjos, Tantoyuca, Poza Rica and Cofre de Perote.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

NCLR Suspends Arizona Boycott, Despite State's Legal Fight To Implement SB 1070

NCLR's cancellation of Arizona boycott won't keep immigrant rights groups from continuing their economic boycotts.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 11, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The Associated Press reported that the National Council de la Raza (NCLR) and several affiliated groups are backing off from boycotting Arizona, despite Governor Jan Brewer's legal move to overturn the injunction of SB 1070 in the U.S. Supreme Court. NCLR is considered the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States that works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans, according to the NCLR website.
NCLR has yet to post its decision to suspend the Arizona boycott on their official website or send out a press release, has created an outburst by Hispanic immigration rights groups that will continue the economic boycott. Major immigrant groups, religious groups and elected officials initiated a statewide and national boycott when SB 1070 was passed.
So far, an economic boycott has cost Arizona more than $141 million in revenue. Arizona continues to face more than $30 billion dollar deficit and has been the epicenter of anti-immigrant legislation. Legislators in Arizona encouraged other states to follow with similar legislation as a result of the federal government's inability to enforce immigration laws and to secure the U.S. border from the influx of illegal workers and drugs.
NCLR is cancelling its May 2010 boycott of Arizona because it successfully discourgage other states from enacting similar laws that would take away the U.S. citizenship of children born to illegal immigrant parents. NCLR is taking credit for a boycott that generated political results, a large voter turn out and the defeat of a measure in Arizona to admend Constitutional laws that automatically bestows U.S. citizenship to every child born in the U.S., its territories and Common Wealth of Puerto Rico.
NCLR will ask other groups to cancel the boycotts and begin to generate business in Arizona. A decision by NCLR that most groups will ignore, since Arizona continues its legal fight to fully implement SB 1070, which allows law enforcement officers to ask for legal status of suspected illegal immigrants in the state during traffic stops or domestic violations. Major provisons of SB 1070 have been blocked by a federal judge.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Monreal-Cameron To Leave Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Maria Monreal-Cameron

Photo: HCCW/Cy White

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconson CEO will leave the chamber by 2013.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 10, 2011

Milwaukee - Last Wednesday, Maria Monreal-Cameron, 65, the President and chief executive officer announced she will leave the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) by September 2013. Monreal-Cameron officially submitted her intend to retire to the HCCW Board during a meeting last week, according to Joaquin J. Altoro, a Board member of HCCW.
Monreal-Cameron will work with the Board to find a successor within the next two years. The Board will initiate a successor search in the next 30 days.
Monreal-Cameron became the director of HCCW in 1989. She helped create the Philip Arreola Scholarship Fund and has awarded over $450,000 in scholarships and has more than 665 chamber members. She oversaw the $2.1 million construction of the HCCW headquarters at the 1000 block of W. National Ave.
The HCCW was incorporated as a non-profit business in 1972 and in 2005 the chamber only had three staff members. That same year, under Monreal-Cameron's leadership she was able to bring the 26th Annual United State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention and Business Expo to Milwaukee. In 2005, the HCCW netted $1.4 million in event funds breaking any prior event fund raising in its history.
The City of Milwaukee generated about $15 million in revenues, according to VISIT Milwaukee.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Young Child Died After Being Struck By School Bus In The South Side

Yanelisse Correa

Photos: Family/MySpace

Three year old girl runs into street and is struck by school bus.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 9, 2011

Milwaukee - On Friday, police responded to an accident involving a 3-year-old girl running into the street and getting struck by a school bus. The child was identified as Yanelisse Correa by relatives. Correa apparently before 3:00 p.m. ran into the street trying to reach her grandmother on the other side of the street at the 1600 block of S. 28th St., who was removing groceries from a vehicle. The child was struck by a school bus transporting special-needs students and is owned by Specialized Care Transport. At least six children were inside the bus when the accident occurred, according to school officials.
Correa was taken to Childrens's Hospital of Wisconsin where she was later pronounced dead.
Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan from the 8th District, who lives next to Correa's grandmother tried to save the child when the accident happened, but she was not responding, according to Donovan. Donovan said, it was a tragic and an unfortunate accident.
Police continue to investigate.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Homicide Fugitive Torres Gomez Extradited To Mexico

Benito Torres Gómez

Fugitive turned over to Mexican Federal Police In Houston.

By. H. Nelson Goodson
September 9, 2011

Houston, Texas - On Thursday, the U.S. Marshals Service surrendered Benito Torres Gómez, a Mexican national wanted for murder to Mexican Federal Police in Houston. Gómez fled to the U.S. to avoid prosecution in Mexico. He was wanted in connection for the 2010 homicide of Verónica Morales Juárez in the city of Francisco García Salinas, Rio Grande municipality, Zacatecas. Juárez was fatally shot by Gómez during a custody battle over their daughter, according to the Federal Attorney General's Office (PGR).
Gómez was transported to the state of Zacatecas, where he will face homicide charges. Last April, the PGR has requested the extradition of Gómez.
He was arrested on June 2, in Houston, Texas by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

USDOJ Reported Constitutional And Federal Law Violations By Puerto Rican Police Department

The USDOJ report calls for immediate transparency, policy reform and accountability of the Puerto Rican Police Department for Constitutional violations.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 8, 2011

Washington, D.C. - On Thursday, a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division (CRD) report cited reasonable cause to believe the Puerto Rican Police Department (PRPD) engaged in a pattern and practice of Constitutional, federal law and free speech violations, including using unreasonable excessive force, discrimination against Dominicans, unconstitutional stops, arrests and warrantless searches. The federal investigation discovered that the PRPD also engaged in gross misconduct on routine operations, using excessive force during student protests and frequently failed to properly investigate and document sex crimes and incidents of domestic violence. The PRPD engaged in discriminatory policing practices that targeted individuals of Dominican descent. At this time, the division has not made a formal finding of a pattern and practice violation in these areas, in part because PRPD does not adequately collect data to evaluate these issues, the report found.
The DOJ Civil Rights Division probe was launched in July 2008, and was conducted in accordance with the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
The Justice Department found a number of long-standing and entrenched systemic deficiencies that caused or contributed to these patterns of unlawful conduct, including:

• A failure of PRPD to implement policies to guide officers on lawful policing practices, including the application of force;
• Tactical units that have been permitted to develop violent subculture;
• Insufficient pre-service and in-service training;
• Inadequate supervision;
• Ineffective systems of complaint intake, investigation and adjudication;
• An ineffective disciplinary system;
• Limited risk management; and
• A lack of external oversight and accountability.

The report called for immediate transparency, long lasting policy and protocals reform and to train its officers in effective and constitutional policing in the PRPD. The DOJ will seek a court order to enforce an agreement to reform.
In adddition, PRPD must implement systems to ensure accountability, foster police-community partnerships, improve the quality of policing throughout the commonwealth and eliminate unlawful bias from all levels of policing decisions.
The department will seek to obtain a court enforceable agreement and will work with PRPD, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the community to develop and implement a comprehensive reform plan with the judicial oversight needed to address the violations of the Constitution and federal law, according to the DOJ CRD report.

The executive summary and full report in both English and Spanish versions can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl/pr.php

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile

Cook County Adopted Ordinance To Reject ICE Detainer Requests

Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" García

Photo: Facebook

Undocumented immigrants held for misdemeanor violations won't be put on ICE hold any longer.

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 8, 2011

Chicago - On Wednesday, the Cook County Board voted 10-5 to adopt an ordinance introduced by 7th District Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" García to end compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) service detainer requests. The ordinance takes effect immediately.
Garcia in a press release cited a recent Indiana federal court decision, which ruled that an ICE detainer is not a criminal warrant or a mandatory order, but simply a request for cooperation.
Undocumented immigrants detained for misdemeanor violations, such as traffic infractions and minor drug charges were placed on ICE hold for a considerable amount of time costing Cook County up to $15.7 million per year or $143 per detainee per day. ICE or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) doesn't reimburse Cook County any of the costs and has refused to indemnify the County for any possible lawsuits and other damages that might result from wrongful arrests, deportation, detention or possible death or injury sustained by individuals held beyond their authorized time of release from Cook County Sheriff's Department, as a result of complying with ICE detainer requests, according to García.
"In America, we don't detain people without probable cause. That would violate constitutional guarantees like due process and equal protection. But these detainers are not based on probable cause and they have been imposed on U.S. Citizens including veterans by mistake, " said Commissioner García, "In fact, there is a lawsuit currently pending in federal court against DHS for this very reason."
The City of Chicago and Cook County have sanctuary ordinances that prohibits local governments from working along with ICE or denying undocumented immigrants public services.

Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile