Tragedy in Houston

I have not known precisely how to approach the stories from Houston about the undocumented immigrant from Mexico who allegedly killed an African American Houston police officer (who left behind five orphaned children).  It is a tragedy that makes me want to cry.  My heart truly goes out to the family.  For some details on the aftermath, click here.

I have read many of the press accounts of the anti-immigrant outburst now taking place in Houston.  Many politicians and policy-makers unfortunately are trying to move their political agenda forward by capitalizing on this tragedy.  The Minutemen have made their appearances in Houston and claim that the murder is one more reason to close the border.  Local politicians want the police to crack down on immigrants.  I understand the anger and sadness.  But attacking immigrants will not bring the officer back.  Even if the suspect is found guilty, most undocumented immigrants are, as President Bush has observed, peaceful and hard-working.  I hope that calm and reason prevails over hate and mean-spiritedness.  A glimmer of hope can be found in the local NAACP’s stated support for LULAC, which in recent days has suffered a barrage of hate mail, criticism, and the like.  Take good care, people of Houston.  The nation is watching.

KJ