Added 19 December 2007: PHOTOS OF RALLY HERE

‘Respect our laws’

Published: 12/09/2007

By Marcus E. Howard
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

MARIETTA – Dozens ( Note from D.A. no offense to the reporter, but that would be about a dozen “dozens””…) of folks gathered outside the Cobb Courthouse on Saturday to rally in support of Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren’s enforcement of immigration laws.

Warren was presented with an award by the Dustin Inman Society, a coalition led by activist D.A. King that is dedicated to informing the public on the consequences of illegal immigration, for his office’s initiation of section 297 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996 this year.

“As long as I’m sheriff of Cobb County, I can assure you that the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will be proactive in using any resources that enhance our ability to combat the criminal element of this community,” said Warren, to a loud sound of applause.

“And that is not for any political reason, awards or anything – although we appreciate it and our staff appreciates it – but that’s what we’re suppose to being doing.”

The sheriff also issued a warning to those who break the law and find themselves behind bars in Cobb.

“If you’re arrested for a crime and you’re brought to the Cobb County Jail, and any other city, county, state and any federal agency wants you, we’re going to notify that agency and give them an opportunity to come pick you up – so stay out of Cobb County Jail.”

The award was presented to Warren as the first Dustin Inman Society Georgia Sheriff of the Year Award.

Billy and Kathy Inman, parents of 16-year-old Dustin Inman, who was killed in 2000 as a result of a vehicle collision involving an illegal immigrant, were in attendance at the rally.

“We got to keep doing what’s right and I feel Mr. Warren is doing that and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the country,” Billy Inman said. “I don’t want what happened to my family to happen to any of ya’ll, cause it can.”

King said the rally wasn’t about opposition to a particular ethnic group or national origin, but instead, the law.

“We are not here about immigrants,” he said. “We are here about people who are in the country illegally and law enforcement officers who have the courage to use the tools that were made available by the federal government.”

The rally for Warren came in the wake of concerns raised by advocates for the Latino community, such as the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which have questioned his aim in finding illegal immigrants in Cobb.

In early June, the Cobb Sheriff’s Office began screening Cobb Jail inmates to identify illegal immigrants and initiate deportation procedures after several deputies completed federal certification to do so, per 287(g).

Rich Pellegrino of Mableton, who attended the rally in opposition of Warren’s efforts, said he believes the sheriff’s actions are misguided.

“We’re all a nation of immigrants,” said Pellegrino, founder of the Cobb-Cherokee Immigrant Alliance, a grassroots organization that seeks to welcome immigrants.

“Whether you’re a documented or a foreign resident, we all have equal rights under the Constitution.”

Pellegrinao said plans by Jerry Gonzalez, GALEO’s executive director, and other organizations to protest in opposition to the rally ended Monday because of problems in securing a permit from Marietta Police. The lack of a permit resulted in the small scope of the rally and concern for any illegal immigrants who may have participated.

Nonetheless, the majority of those at the rally were in support of the enforcement of immigration laws. Many held large U.S. flags and placards that read “Thank You! Cobb County for 287 (g)” and “Thank You Sheriff Warren, Enforce Our Law.”

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens was one of several speakers at the rally. Other elected officials present included Northwest Cobb Commissioner Helen Goreham and State Rep. Steve “Thunder” Tumlin (R-Marietta).

“It wasn’t courage,” Olens said of the Cobb Sheriff’s Office enforcement of 287 (g). “It was the right thing for them to do.”

Ann Pratt of Marietta was among Warren’s many supporters at the rally. She said she decided to attend because she feels more needs to been done in the country in regards to enforcement of immigration laws.

“It has nothing to do about Hispanics,” she stressed. “It’s about following the law like we’re suppose to do.”