Japanese-American Internee Criticizes Tent Cities for Undocumented

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a Democratic congressman who was imprisoned in an internment camp during World War II criticized Utah Republican Jason Chaffetz’s plan to detain undocumented immigrants in tent cities. “Jason Chaffetz’s comments are more than just offensive and embarrassing to all Americans; they demonstrate a blatant disregard of the need to be vigilant in remembering the lessons learned from a disgraceful chapter in U.S. history,” California Rep. Mike Honda said.  Honda said Chaffetz statements will only “fuel resentment toward targeted ethnic groups.”

Chaffetz is running for Utah’s 3rd District seat, took offense at Honda’s criticism, saying he never singled out any ethnic group in his immigration proposal.  Applauding Honda, Daily Kos takes aim at Chaffetz’s defense and notes that his campaign accepted money from Tom Tancredo’s PAC.

Chaffetz defeated Republican incumbent Chris Cannon, questioned as too pro-immigrant by his opponents, in the primary.

KJ