A surprising outburst at council meeting

diane harkeyI attended the Costa Mesa City Council meeting Jan. 3, to introduce myself to the City Council and to the people of Costa Mesa. To my surprise, there were many supporters and protesters of the city’s ordinance allowing the city’s police to cooperate with immigration officers upon arresting an illegal immigrant.

I heard a young man lament that we were supposed to be a country of “freedom.” Another argued that the council was encouraging “mass deportations,” and still another stated that the council was trying “get the Mexicans out of Costa Mesa” -- inaccuracies spewed to stir emotion and incite anger.

I also watched the theatrics of the protester who was apprehended, as he needlessly struggled and yelled, while practically throwing himself to the ground, as he knew the cameras were rolling. The chaos created by this staged performance caused the public hearing to come to a screeching halt.

I would like to offer some clarification.

First, while we enjoy many freedoms, we are a country of laws that secure our freedom. Second, the issue is not mass deportation of illegal immigrants, but merely turning over to immigration authority those illegal residents suspected of criminal acts. Third, apprehending law-breakers and turning them over to the proper authorities is not a vendetta against people of any descent -- legal or illegal. In addition, any person who cannot control his behavior in a public meeting, following rules to ensure a safe, fair and orderly meeting process, endangers our freedom of assembly, violates the rule of law, and jeopardizes our democratic process.

Costa Mesa’s policy and other reforms are included in a House resolution passed by Congress. Let’s hope this bill moves through the Senate swiftly and becomes law, ensuring that the city is reimbursed for its efforts.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Diane Harkey is a Dana Point City Councilwoman and a Republican candidate for the 35th District state Senate seat.

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