Contact Information: Contact: Judicial Watch 202-646-5188
Judicial Watch Launches Investigation Into Seattle Day Labor Facilities, Warns Officials
Seattle, King County & Washington State Apparently Subsidize Criminal Activity With Citizen Taxpayer Dollars
| Source: Judicial Watch, Inc.
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - September 18, 2007) - Judicial Watch, the public interest group
that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today
that it has launched an investigation into "day labor" facilities in
Seattle, Washington. Judicial Watch also sent warning letters to Seattle
Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council on September 13 concerning
the legality of its taxpayer-funded day labor site for illegal aliens.
"For the City to use taxpayer resources in this manner is akin to a city
operating its own 'red light' district or illegal drug market to enable
persons who participate in such activities to have a safe, orderly,
well-regulated environment in which to engage in their illicit
transactions," stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton in his letter to
Mayor Nickels. "Kindly confirm that you will cease immediately expending
citizen taxpayer dollars and resources for day labor sites and non-profit
organizations that promote criminal activity in violation of federal
immigration law."
Judicial Watch's investigation is in response to requests from Seattle
citizen taxpayers and property owners outraged that allegedly public funds
are used to subsidize criminal violations of federal immigration laws at
day labor facilities operated by "CASA Latina," a self-described "group of
community activists... dedicated to empowering Latino immigrants."
CASA Latina represents in presentation materials that 24% of its $731,117
operating budget are taxpayer funds. On February 12, 2007, the Seattle
City Council unanimously passed City Ordinance 122339 expending
approximately $250,000 for the purchase of property in a residential area
that CASA Latina and politicians plan to use as a day labor headquarters
for Seattle. According to Judicial Watch, additional research by Judicial
Watch staff indicates that over $1 million dollars in taxpayer money from
King County and the State of Washington have been committed to subsidizing
illegal aliens in Seattle.
Federal immigration laws make it illegal to "encourage or induce an alien
come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless
disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will
be in violation of law." 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv). Federal
immigration laws also make it unlawful to aid or abet the commission of
such acts. 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(II).
Likewise CASA Latina's activities may run afoul of federal laws concerning
recruiting or hiring of an alien if it is known that the alien is not
authorized to work in the United States. 8 U.S.C. §1324a(a)(1)(A). In
addition, it is unlawful to hire any individual for employment in the
United States without complying with federal employment eligibility
verification requirements. 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(B)(I). Studies show the
vast majority of day laborers are unable to legally work in the United
States. CASA Latina does not screen applications for employment
eligibility.
"It is illegal and irresponsible for politicians to use taxpayer funds to
facilitate the hiring of illegal aliens," said Judicial Watch President Tom
Fitton. "Politicians in Seattle are using tax dollars to undermine the
rule of law and worsen the illegal immigration crisis."
Judicial Watch's Seattle investigation is part of a nationwide campaign to
help enforce our nation's immigration laws. (See www.judicialwatch.org for
more information.)