Illegals receive medical care for burns

The Union-Tribune reported that 11 out of 18 fire victims at UCSD Medical Hospital are Mexican nationals in the country illegally. They are suspected of crossing the border illegally and facing the Harris fire last week. UCSD told the Union-Tribune doctors are required by law to continue treatment despite extensive costs and the patients' immigration statuses. The individuals can only be deported back to Mexico, even for medical treatment, if a doctor declares them fit for travel.

According to the Union-Tribune, San Diego County hospitals spent $619 million in uncompensated care last year. About 15 percent of that was spent on undocumented immigrants.

Hospitals do receive some federal funding to cover such costs, but many are calling for the Mexican government to share the cost of treating the fire victims, many of whom will require extended care.

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Congressman thanks "Los Bomberos"

About 60 firefighters from Mexico crossed the border to assist U.S. firefighters with the wildfires last week, according to the Associated Press. Congressman Bob Filner met a group of the men called "Los Bomberos." He said he was "awestruck" by the support from the local, national, and international communities. The visiting firefighters returned to Mexico Oct. 23 to battle blazes in Tecate and Ensenada.

Latino evacuees report discrimination

Some Latino evacuees reported unfair treatment, including unequal distribution of supplies, at Qualcomm this week after two families were turned in to immigration authorities. Three families were accused of stealing supplies from the evacuation site; two could not produce identification and were turned over to border patrol. About 25 families who are in the country illegally left Qualcomm shortly after the incident. The families suspected of stealing said they only took what they had already been given, including children's toys and Gatorade.

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Fire fuels illegal crossings

The Harris fire burning near Tecate and Campo has not stopped some Mexican nationals from crossing into the United States illegally. The U.S. Border Patrol said six illegal immigrants were rescued by firefighters Monday and were hospitalized with burn injuries. U.S. officials have asked the Mexican government to warn its citizens of the dangers of crossing into the fire zone. More than 200 people have been arrested for crossing the border illegally since the fire began on Sunday.

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DREAMs won't come true in Senate

Senate scrapped legislation last week that would have granted amnesty to 360,000 high school graduates who came to the United States illegally. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, would have given these youth conditional citizenship if they attended two years of college or served two years in the military. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., withdrew the proposal after it faced increased opposition from senators on the left and right. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he plans to push the bill through Senate by December.

DREAM Act
Union Tribune editorial

New law provides shelter from landlord queries

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill this morning that makes it illegal for local governments in California to require that landlords check the immigration status of potential renters. This law counteracts an ordinance the Escondido city council tentatively approved last year, which would have made it illegal for landlords to rent to illegal immigrants. The new law will go into effect Jan. 1.

More on AB 976

Filner speaks at Blackwater rally

"I think [Blackwater USA] thought they were putting this thing in Duncan Hunter's district. Blackwater, you're gonna have to deal with my army." Congressman Bob Filner spoke to an army of protesters in lime-green "Stop Blackwater" T-shirts about plans to put a training facility in the 51st district.

Congressman Bob Filner spoke at a rally of nearly 150 people protesting plans to build a Blackwater USA training facility in Potrero Sunday afternoon.

"Blackwater is a black mark on American democracy," Filner said.

Filner called private Blackwater security forces mercenaries and accused the company of war profiteering. Residents said they are concerned with increased traffic, noise, and the environmental impact of the proposed site.

Residents also said the local planning committee approved the project without consent from the public. Residents will vote in a recall election on Dec. 11. If committee members are removed from office, the new committee will readdress the issue and might advise the county board of supervisors not to approve the project. The board of supervisors has final authority on the matter.

A smaller group presented their opposition at the rally. Luyisa Wildey, who lives within a mile of the site, said Potrero residents were invited to initial planning meetings, and that Blackwater and the county have addressed the concerns of residents in their plans. She also said Blackwater will provide needed jobs and give back to the community.

Iraq calls for removal of Blackwater

Photo courtesy of The Union Tribune