Rosario and Isabel Lucero in Suffolk County: Seek Justice for Marcelo; Feel Sadness for the Mothers of the Killers

Rosario and Isabel Lucero are in town as legal proceedings commence in the tragic murder of Marcelo Lucero. Speaking from a court house in Suffolk County, Rosario had this to say:

"As a mother, I feel this pain of loss. The parents of these children must be feeling a sense of loss, too, seeing their children in these circumstances. We are all human beings, and it is not right to take anyone's life."

(BTW: Newsday's coverage of the Marcelo Lucero murder has been exemplary.)

Links:
Marcelo Lucero's mom faces two hate crime suspects
Photo series (80 images)

U.S. Justice Meets LatinoJustice re: Suffolk County

Investigators from the U.S. Justice Department met in New York with LatinoJustice regarding allegations of anti-Latino bias in Suffolk County.

LatinoJustice's complaint charges Suffolk County government officials with violating the equal protection clause in its treatment of Latino residents; stirring up anti-Latino resentment, indulging bigots and promoting hate speech through its anti-Latino immigrant proposals -- culminating in the hate killing of Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue.

While the DOJ has not yet launched a formal investigation, their presence last week in New York is reassuring.

As for the response from Suffolk officials, the usually ultra chatty Steve Levy has gone silent--as have his co-conspirators in the legislature. However, the county police are said to welcome any investigation--although spokesman Tim Motz claims that Suffolk's "hate crime statistics are essentially the same" as in other jurisdictions.

In addition to insulting the intelligence of county residents, the Long Island Latino community, the memory of Marcelo Lucero, as well as most U.S. counties without official campaigns against Latino immigrants, Mr. Motz misses an essential point: that the county's numbers are totally out-of-whack with reality -- reflecting the possibility of a systemic failure to protect Latinos residents.

Recommendation for Mr. Motz: Read the LatinoJustice complaint to learn about what's really happening in Suffolk County.

Moreover, the concern is not that hate crimes only happen in Suffolk County. No one is saying that. The concern for Latinos in Suffolk is that authorities are actively fomenting anti-Latino hostility. And it's not just the county. DOJ should also look at the embedded biases in the code enforcement, provision of services, staffing, and policing practices of a number of towns and villages--often in coordination with the county.

So, Mr. Motz and Mr. Levy should also welcome more 'sanctuary' sessions of the sort held at the church in Patchogue in which residents can step forward and tell the truth without fear, right? At least 20 hate victims came forward in Patchogue. How many more are out there that the bright lights of Suffolk County don't know about?

And while they're at it, perhaps DOJ should look closely at the embedded practices and attitudes which systematically undermine the rights of racial "minorities". For example, why are at-large election districts which ensure African American and Latino political under representation allowed? Why are racially segregated and unequal public schools condoned? How is it that Long Island manages to remain one of the most segregated places in the country even though people of color are a significant portion of the overall population?

Gov. Paterson on Diffusing Hate on LI

Governor David Paterson has been working behind the scenes to diffuse tensions on Long Island in the aftermath of the hate murders of Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue and Jose Sucuzhañay in Bushwick.

Working through his Commissioner of Human Rights Commissioner Galen Kirkland, Paterson who sought to facilitate dialogue through a newly formed unity council.

Paterson's focus is clearly on touching the hearts and minds, i.e., changing the culture, so that healing and peace can take root in troubled families and communities. His prescription includes:

A focus on youth.

"Most of the uprisings are from younger people who are taking the antagonistic words of their elders and manifesting them in violence. Adults, you see, are grown-ups. They've got jobs... and for the most part they don't have time to swing baseball bats at each other because this is not going to be productive."

A call to parents to watch what they teach the children.

"There are citizens who are good citizens, but who may have contributed to the problem in the privacy of their own homes. They are spawning contempt and bias with some very loathsome things they have to say to their family members."

And a call on the community to resist the destructive influences of hate.

"People have to realize that they are ... getting a reputation, like a Skokie. Hate is not good for the economy, not good for the quality of life, not good for our home values, not good for our children."

Link: Guv lends support to Island anti-hate measures

Photo: Gov. Paterson's spring visit to Hempstead High School.(Audrey C. Tiernan, Newsday)

Seven National Civil Rights Groups Denounce the Hate Murder of Marcelo Lucero

Seven of the nation's leading civil rights organizations gathered today in Washington, DC to collectively condemn the hate killing of Marcelo Lucero, and to denounce the recent wave of brutal hate crimes against communities of color.

The groups include: the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the National Urban League,the NAACP and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). The groups attribute a spike in hate crimes to the “climate of hate” created by nativist politicians, radio "shock jocks" and anti-immigrant groups.

Click here for their joint statement and here for the video of the press conference.

L.I. Nativists On Display (in more ways than one)

Long Island nativists protest not the killing of Marcelo Lucero, but a newspaper's coverage of that hateful act.

Twisted, right?

To them it's unAmerican for the newspaper -- Newsday -- to give more than cursory coverage to an act which repulsed all decent Americans and whose fallout will be felt for some time to come.

But what Newsday's coverage -- and the angry protestations it's provoked from racists and nativists -- reveals a bit of Long Island's dark side: a legacy of racism with its tribal impulse to scapegoat the weak and powerless.

Shamelessly, these nativists wrap themselves in the American flag -- as so many hatemongers before them have done. If only today's protesters really cared about the protections and safeguards written into the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights. If only they could just once put down their pitchforks.

But it's clear from their tantrums, anonymously comments and threats, haters love to hate but they prefer to do it clandestinely. Of course, in the light of day they're "patriots".

The following are just some of the ill-informed, hateful and distorted views posted on Newsday.com by those angered by the newspaper's excellent reporting on the Marcelo Lucero hate killing:

It's ok that when whites kill a minority, newsday gives the victim 3 pages a day, but 25 Americans a day are killed at the hands of illegal aliens in this country due to drunk driving, murder and job accidents but that never gets mentioned.

Buy the way..you can't walk the streets here during the DAY or NIGHT, due to the fact that there are PACKS of hispanics walking the streets here in Patchogue…

If the THOUSADNS of AMERICANS killed by Illegal Aliens each year got this much attention it would be all we read !!!

Non-white Americans are being taught to hate Whites under the guise of tolerance.

I have no intentions of ever setting foot on LI again- and sadly, much of the rest of this country is fast turning into the same kind of slum- and just wait till the water-melon rinds and chicken bones start flying from the White House windows come January!

This violence is the tip of the iceberg and the only ones that will be to blame are the illegals and our weak ass backstabbing government.

This has led to much violence from both sides. The citizens are being preyed upon by the illegals and our officials look the other way.

I am tired of hearing about illegal aliens coming to the U.S. and trying to make a better life for themselves and their families back home. don't succumb to anti-immigration activists.

I think newsday's continued front page rehashing of this story is inciting a riot type of mentality.

The Newsday commissars constantly tell you that…Diversity and multiracialism is grand. Find the pamphlet "Who Rules America" on the web and take the info from there to expand your reawakening.

People are sick and tired of their neighborhoods being turned into third world countries…

take a look at the wall of shame.....ok, look at least 60% of the people on there are illegals. 28 of 117 (24%) Latino; zippo info on immigration status

Only a person with the last name Martinez, would write such BULL. Believe me if I could move out of this town today I WOULD!

The best thing that happened to this Newspaper and these sleazy pro-Illegal pro - Welfare groups, was this murder, they revel in it. It's a huge gift for them!

this hasn't stopped for over a week now and the more you are printing this everyday the more you are not letting anyone heel. it is making things worse in the schools and the community, on both sides!!!!!!

Why is it ok for them to break the law. Why is ok for them to take over towns and making them look like the third world country they are running from.

My problem is that ILLEGAL immigrants are bringing their oppressed 3rd world behavior into my country and think their ENTITLED for the red carpet treatment. They should be GRATEFUL!!! But their not.

The Hispanic Coalition of LI Responds to the Hate Killing of Marcelo Lucero

The following is a translation of The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island's opinion piece (Coalición responde a muerte de Lucero) published in today's El Diario.

En Español
It is with deep sorrow and renewed determination that The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island responds to the recent brutal and racially motivated murder of an innocent man, the Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero.

The act is still more horrendous when we consider that it was perpetrated by children…a group of adolescents…that, for complex reasons, felt that hunting people who looked "Mexican" was viable option. In a society we believe to be civilized, where is that the children learn that hatred, racism, and violence are options? How sad that an innocent life has been taken without cause, that so many lives have been permanently damaged, and that in the process, the youths have done great harm to themselves, their families, and their community.

Above all, our coalition desires to extend our sincere condolences to the Lucero family and to offer our support and services to them in their hour of need. We also give thanks to all of the leaders that have fought for justice over the years, advocating for the many voiceless immigrants.

We give thanks to community leaders and elected officials that have responded to this tragedy by attempting to build bridges of understanding and acceptance, instead of settling for mere tolerance, and community for all, instead of the exclusion and marginalization of some.

The Hispanic Coalition of Long Island represents the majority of the professional human services that are provided to the fast-growing Hispanic populations of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our mission is to promote the advancement of the Hispanic community, with a focus on economic betterment, political empowerment, and strengthened public commitment towards improving the quality of life for all of Long Island's families and children.

Suffolk County needs a new, realistic and humane direction. It needs a new approach that recognizes the changes that have taken place, and that provides a compassionate and just solution to the challenges of a diverse society. History has taught us that change cannot be prevented. It teaches us as well that social and economic marginalization, and the exploitation of a group of people, always ends in violence.

Our coalition is opposed to any legislation and policies that marginalize immigrants and promote the abuse of immigrants and their children (our new citizens). We oppose any politician who lacks compassion and who fails to support policies that seek to promote understanding and equality.

Additionally, it is the belief of the members of the coalition that racism is based on ignorance and fear, which children are taught at home – subtly or not so subtly. Parents and other adults need to be educated on diversity and the complex reality of today's world. We recommend that schools work to educate parents on multicultural communications, diversity and acceptance, so that they, in turn, will be better prepared to provide their children with a timely perspective, guidance, and solutions to the challenges caused by differences and societal changes.

María Elisa Cuadra, President, Hispanic Coalition of Long Island and Executive Director, COPAY Inc. Great Neck.
Gil Bernardino, Executive Director, Círculo de la Hispanidad, Long Beach and Hempstead.
Pascual Blanco, Executive Director, La Fuerza Unidad, Glen Cove.
José Calderón, Vice President, The Hispanic Federation New York, NY and Washington, DC.
Miriam García, Executive Director, Adelante of Suffolk County, Brentwood.
Margarita Grasing, Executive Director, Hispanic Brotherhood, Rockville Centre.
Nadia Marín-Molina, Executive Director, Workplace Project, Hempstead.
Gladys Serrano, Executive Director, Hispanic Counseling, Bayshore and Hempstead.
George Siberon, Executive Director, Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association.

Immigrant Advocates to Suffolk County Legislature: Change Your Tone

As the nation -- and, indeed, the world -- has begun to understand, immigrants in Suffolk County have been targets of an ugly nativist war. A multi-front war that's included:

-a firebombing
-escalating threats and assaults
-racial profiling
-a flurry of anti-immigrant codes
-forced separations
-detentions
-deportations
-attempted murder
-and most recently, the slaying of Marcelo Lucero for being Latino.

In their continued fight on behalf of immigrants, civil and human rights advocates went to the Suffolk County Legislature's 1st public session post the killing. Their demands were for Suffolk to cease its politics of scapegoating Latino immigrants, and instead, take a stand against hate.

While too soon to gauge the impact of recent developments (including the Marcelo killing, discovery of a rash of other bias crimes, a Steve Levy apology of sorts, and global condemnation), the stoic expressions of the nativist pandering caucus was not reassuring.

Hope I'm wrong. After all, nativism is a political loser when exposed to the full light of day.

Nonetheless, the courageous band of advocates stood tall as they continued a tradition of speaking truth to power. As they have so often these last few very troubling years, they spoke eloquently and passionately on behalf of the Suffolk's hardworking, yet much maligned, immigrant workers.

- Patrick Young of the Central American Resource Center raked the county administration for its ludicrous propaganda that bias crimes against Latinos are down 93% in the past four years.

- Catherine Carballerri and Sonia Palacio-Grottola, of the National Association of Puerto Rican & Hispanic Social Workers, also questioned Suffolk's bias crime data when their profession sees a spike. They also warned about the trauma immigrant children are suffering.

- Lisa Tarrant Votino of Long Island Wins offered to partner with the legislature in formulating a more constructive approach to immigrants. She also charged that there's a difference between debating immigration policy and dehumanizing a whole people.

- Michael O'Neil of the East Hampton Anti-Bias Task Force admonished the legislature for ignoring the pleas, recommendations and warnings of Latino and immigrant leaders. He recommended that the County engage the leaders of Latino and immigrant residents when formulating proposals affecting their communities.

- Dr. Luis Valenzuela of the LI Immigrant Alliance called on the Legislature to stop its unwise intrusion into immigration policy, and instead, support the passage of national comprehensive immigration reform. He said that Suffolk could and should become a national model for suburban diversity and civility.

- Charlotte Koons and Andrea Callan, of the Suffolk chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, challenged Suffolk to 'legislate and educate the hate away.'

Related: Pleas to heal community directed at Suffolk legislators
Latino community asks legislature to listen. Just listen!

Top photo: (L-R) Lisa Tarrant Votino, Andrea Callan, Charlotte Koons, Dr. Luis Valenzuela, Michael O'Neil
Bottom photo: Patrick Young speaking to a reporter

LIIA to Steve Levy: Change Suffolk's Immigrant Policies

“My brother left a message, a legacy in this country, one of unity and appreciation.” – Joselo Lucero, brother of slain Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero.

Statement of Luis Valenzuela, Executive Director, Long Island Immigrant Alliance:

The senseless murder of Marcelo Lucero, a good and decent man who lived in Suffolk County for sixteen years, has brought the Suffolk community together to grieve and demand an end to hate.

When Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy delivers an address on race and tolerance on Tuesday, he has an opportunity to distance himself from the divisive rhetoric and policies he and other Suffolk politicians promoted in the past.

Out of this tragedy, there is a chance for Mr. Levy to lead Suffolk toward more practical policies that reduce tensions and build a stronger community.

To start with, it’s time to stop the divisive legislation and instead Mr. Levy and the legislature must seize the opportunity to act on serious proposals that can improve the situation here in Suffolk.

This horrendous crime and other recent attacks on immigrants make it clear that Suffolk police need to formally adopt a confidentiality policy to reassure crime victims and witnesses that they can reach out to Suffolk police without fear of deportation.

Marcelo Lucero need not have died in vain. We can honor his life by ensuring that his legacy is in forging unity and finding solutions.

The Long Island Immigrant Alliance stands ready to work with Mr. Levy and the county legislature on more inclusive policies that promote the well-being of all Suffolk residents.

Patchogue Press Conference & Rally Against Hate - Video & Photos 11/12/08

1) Joselo spoke lovingly about his older brother Marcello whom he described as a peaceful and hard working person.

He also confided that he had been feeling very lonely as a result of his loss, but that the expressions of support gave him comfort.

What was also touching was watching Joselo receive that comfort from his fellow Latino immigrants. While Joselo waited in the back of the crowd for his turn to talk, quietly, one-by-one, women and men approached Joselo to offer condolences, a hug or a hug. It was very moving.

2) Speaking as a fellow Latino immigrant (Dominicana), former educator, parent and Suffolk County Deputy Presiding Officer, Vivian Viloria-Fisher expressed -- in Spanish and English -- her condolences to Joselo and the Lucero family.

She also called for united across racial, ethnic and class divides because 'we're one Suffolk'.

3)Nassau County Legislator David Mejias expressed his condolences and those of his Ecuatorian immigrant mother to the Lucero family.

Mejias also relayed how he became angry when he first heard of the slaying, but remembered the faith taught to him by his mother to hate the sin but love the sinner.

Mejias sought to model his faith by embracing Jack Eddington -- the county legislator for Patchogue and a supporter of anti-immigrant legislation.

4) Dr. Luis Valenzuela, executive director of the LI Immigrant Alliance, also expressed his condolences in Spanish and English to the Lucero family.

But unlike the other speakers, Dr. Valenzuela went further than merely calling for unity which may not happen if key leaders don't change their ways. He connected the hate killing of Mr. Lucero directly to the poisonous atmosphere promoted over the last few years by nativist-pandering legislators and County Executive Steve Levy -- and he demanded change.

Specifically, Dr. Valenzuela demanded that the legislator representing Patchogue--Eddington--never again promote anti-immigrant policies.


5) Joselo also spoke about the need to teach young right from wrong.

Unfortunately, for some it's always just about politics. Inter cut in this video is local schools superintendent Michael Mostow boasting that in four years he's only had one racial incident. This is also the fellow who spent his time at the mic shamelessly lobbying for more state funding.

Headlines: The Murder of Marcello Lucero in Suffolk County - 11/12-11/13/08

Spanish-Language Media Decries Long Island Hate Crime - New American Media 11/13/08

A Killing in a Town Where Latinos Sense Hate - NYTimes 11/13/08

It happened again — Another Latino immigrant killed by white teens! - LatinoPoliticalBlog 11/13/08

Levy’s plan to fight hate - LI Biz Blog 11/13/08

Steve Levy: Leaderless in Suffolk? - SpinCycle-Newsday 11/12/08

Levy must be bolder - HartfordCourant-Newsday 11/13/08

Mother mourns Patchogue stabbing victim - Newsday 11/13/08

It happened again — Another Latino immigrant killed by white teens! - Latinopoliticalblog 11/13/08

Town Still Torn Over Immigrant Murder - CBS Evening News 11/13/08

Racial, sexual graffiti found on cars near Mastic homes - HartfordCourant 11/13/08

Hate Runs Wild: Race Woes Plague LI Nabe Where Teens Became 'Killers' - NYPost 11/13/08

Much Work Left To Do - Southampton Press 11/13/08

Residents Denounce Murder Of Immigrant, Protest "Anti-Latino" Bill - Guanabee 11/12/08

Levy walking fine line in reaction to immigrant death - Newsday 11/12/08

Speakers denounce attack on immigrant, urge tolerance - Newsday 11/12/08

Ku Klux Klan literature dropped at Islip Terrace homes - Newsday 11/12/08

Vigilia para Marcello Lucero: 14 de Noviembre - Intutive Intertexuality 11/12/08

Latinos Increasingly Targeted For Hate Crimes - NPR 11/12/08

Uncle Of Accused Patchogue Gang Member Fires Back - WCBSTV 11/13/08

Advocates say rhetoric fuels anti-Hispanic crime - Huffington Post 11/12/08

Editorial: Suffolk’s big mess - LI Business News 11/12/08

Hate Speech Has Consequences - It happened again, another Hispanic/Latino murdered, lynched? - El Rinconcito de Aurora 11/12/08

Patchogue stabbing victim's mother mourns - Newsday 11/12/08

An Island of racists? - LIBizBlog 11/12/08

Harvest of hatred - Impre.com 11/12/08

Levy remains under seige - LIBizBlog 11/12/08

Anti-Immigrant/Anti-Latino Hate Claims Another Vida: Marcello Lucero - VivirLatino 11/12/08

LI Lynch Mob Murders Ecudorian Immigrant Marcello Lucero - Gangbox: Construction Workers News Service 11/11/08

Hate Crime Against a Latino - iHispano 11/11/08

Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Marcello Lucero - Nov. 14th @ 7PM

Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Marcello Lucero

No more hate, no more violence, we are all community

Date: November 14th, 7pm

Place: Railroad Ave and Sephton Street , Patchogue , NY

A candlelight vigil will be held to speak out against hate crimes against immigrants in Suffolk County , in particular, the murder of Marcello Lucero, an immigrant from Ecuador. The perpetrators clearly stated according to news accounts that they were planning to "find some Mexicans." This vicious hate crime is only the latest in a long series of crimes targeting Latinos in Suffolk County.

The event is being called together and organized by many community members in Patchogue, NY. It will begin with a religious ceremony and words from the family of the deceased. In addition, community organizations such as the Workplace Project, the Long Island Immigrant Alliance, Carecen, Jobs with Justice, LICPP, SEIU, Ola of Southampton, Long Island Wins, and STRONG will be participating. Additional speakers will include: the Consulate of Ecuador, the Mayor of Patchogue, and Rev. Allan Ramirez.

Please join us in standing together with the family, friends and the entire community in expressing outrage not only at the murder of Marcello Lucero, but also against the intolerance that breeds hate crimes in Suffolk County. Please bring a candle and a flower, if you can.

Contacts:

Nadia Marin-Molina/Carlos Canales
Workplace Project 516-565-5377 or 516-984-5755

Luis Valenzuela, LI Immigrant Alliance
631-789-0720 or 631 603-4266

LI Hispanic Bar Association: Unite Against Hate in Suffolk County

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association issued issued the following statement in response to the murder of Marcelo Lucero:

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) expresses it deepest sympathy to the family of Marcello Lucero. The vicious and reprehensible attack on Mr. Lucero, simply because he was Hispanic, should outrage everyone.

Sadly, over the past few years, the tenor across Suffolk County as it relates to race, in particular Hispanics, has been very troubling. There have been many inflammatory and derogatory comments made on both sides with no progress to show for it. While we were all hopeful that the election of the New President of United States heralded in a new era in race relations, passion and prejudice still runs deep. It is now time to put an end to this ugly period in Suffolk County’s history and come together as one community. Together, let’s stand as Long Islanders and say "Enough."

Long Island Hispanic Bar Association
P.O. Box 8003
Miller Place, New York 11764
(631) 741-8505

NCLR CONDEMNS BRUTAL HATE CRIME ON LONG ISLAND

Washington, DC—Calling it “an outrageous and horrifying crime,” Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, condemned the fatal beating of a Long Island man on Saturday night. Marcello Lucero, a 37-year-old man from Patchogue, Long Island, was the apparent victim of a hate crime by seven teenagers who were arraigned today for his murder. According to Newsday, Suffolk County police say that the defendants “simply wanted to beat up someone who looked Hispanic.”

Words have consequences. And hateful words have hateful consequences...Lives are literally in the balance. Janet Murguia

“While we are grateful that the authorities have taken swift action,” Murguía said, “it is important for all Americans to understand that this is part of an alarming trend taking place nationwide.” FBI hate crime statistics show that attacks against Latinos have been on the rise over the past four years. Similarly, the Southern Poverty Law Center has reported that the number of hate groups targeting Latinos and immigrants has also increased over the same period.

Murguía was particularly upset over the age of the alleged attackers. “That hate has trickled down to a new generation is very disturbing,” she said. Murguía blamed the growing climate of hate surrounding the immigration debate as part of the cause. “Words have consequences," she said. “And hateful words have hateful consequences. For too long hate groups and hate speech have dominated the national debate on immigrants, mischaracterizing all Latinos and the institutions that serve them in the process. Lives are literally in the balance.”

Over the past year, NCLR has vigorously sought to expose the growing presence of hate groups and hate speech in the immigration debate, and their relationship to the rise in hate crimes. Early this year, the organization launched WeCanStopTheHate as part of its campaign to counter this alarming trend.

Murguía said that she and NCLR extend their condolences to Mr. Lucero’s family and community, and they call on all Americans to stand up to the presence of hate groups and extremists on the airwaves and in our communities.

Gov. David Paterson Condemns Murder of Latino Immigrant in Suffolk County

“Today, I ask New Yorkers to join me in mourning the death of Marcello Lucero, a Hispanic man of Ecuadorian descent who was the fatal victim of a vicious hate crime over the weekend in Suffolk County. This disgraceful act should serve as a source of outrage for all of us.

“Suffolk Police tell us that Mr. Lucero and a friend were attacked late Saturday night by seven teenagers who were driving around looking for a Hispanic to beat up. The companion walking with Mr. Lucero escaped, but Mr. Lucero was stabbed to death. This senseless and cowardly attack by these teenagers cannot stand. I am directing State law enforcement agencies to assist Suffolk County officials in any way possible to ensure swift and certain justice for this heinous crime. Our State has zero tolerance for such bigotry and I urge authorities to move quickly to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

“Today, I ask that you offer your prayers to Mr. Lucero's family. I would like to extend my deepest condolences as they come to the terms with the enormous pain of this loss. Mr. Lucero's death is a jarring reminder that we must remain vigilant and continue our fight to eradicate prejudice in our words and in our actions.”

LI Immigrant Alliance: The Hate Killing of Marcelo Lucero in Suffolk County

While our reaction to this latest hate crime on Long Island is shock almost to the point of feeling numb, we can only imagine the agony that the Lucero family is going through.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family. And we call upon the whole community to come together, not only to express condemnation and extend sympathy to the Luceros, but just as importantly, to critically reflect on why these teenagers thought they had license to viciously attack another human being.

We call on all the entire Long Island community to pledge to take action to prevent such a horrible tragedy from ever happening again.

It is difficult to comprehend why such hatred exists, but it cannot escape our notice that this is only the latest hate crime in Suffolk County. For too long, anti-immigrant and anti-Latino sentiment has been tolerated in Suffolk County, as reflected in the introduction of anti-immigrant bill after anti-immigrant bill in the county legislature.

We call upon all Long Islanders to recognize the humanity of all our neighbors, and to embrace practical solutions that uphold our nation’s values and move us forward together.

Luis Valenzuela, Executive Director, Long Island Immigrant Alliance

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) Long Island Condemns Hate-Inspired Murder, Calls for Community Action

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) Long Island Chapter is outraged by the brutal murder of Marcello Lucero. According to police sources, Lucero and a friend were attacked over the weekend by a group which was looking for a Hispanic to beat up.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, and our concern to our brothers and sisters in the Hispanic community, for whom this vicious crime must be especially painful,” said Caroline Levy, director of AJC’s Long Island Chapter. She praised law enforcement for the swift arrests of suspects in the crime.

AJC will sponsor a community rally on Wednesday in Patchogue, at which community and regional leaders including Michael Balboni, Galen Kirkland, Howard Weitzman and Vivian Viloria-Fisher will speak. The rally will take place at 9 AM at the American Legion Hall, 215 S. Ocean Avenue.

"AJC calls on Long Islanders to stand together at this time of tragedy and raise their voices against the hateful words and climate that contributed to Lucero’s senseless murder," said Levy. "We cannot simply go on with our normal lives as long as anyone among us can be singled out for attack based simply because of who we are.

AJC Long Island, a regional leader in advancing intergroup relations, sponsors the Latino-Jewish Coalition of Long Island.

Caroline Levy
Executive Director
375 North Broadway
Jericho, NY 11753
Tel: 516.942.2651
Fax: 516.942.4759
www.ajc.org

The Patchogue Murderers

This disgraceful act should serve as a source of outrage for all of us.
Gov. David Patterson

Jeffrey Conroy, front, is led out of Suffolk County's 5th Precinct in Patchogue with six others charged in the bias gang killing of Marcelo Lucero.

After the gang pummelled their victim in their nighttime hunt to "jump beaners", it's believed Conroy fatally stabbed Lucero in the chest.

Fresh from reaching out to Latinos attending the Somos el Futuro Conference in Puerto Rico, Governor David A. Paterson issued this statement denouncing the murder: "This disgraceful act should serve as a source of outrage for all of us." He also pledged to assist Suffolk County "in any way possible to ensure swift and certain justice for this heinous crime."

Take a close look at these photographs. This is what anti-Latino immigrant hate looks in America of today. What's really unfortunate is that the adults that have encouraged these young men to ruin their lives through hate and violence will pay no price.

WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE!!!

Top photo: Suffolk County, NY Killers of Marcelo Lucero
Bottom photo: Three of the Shenandoah, PA killers of Luis Eduardo Martinez

Latino Immigrant Marcello Lucero Murdered by Gang of Thugs in Suffolk County

Latino immigrant Marcello Lucero, 37, was murdered in what Suffolk Police are calling a hate crime. He was beaten and stabbed in Patchogue Saturday night by a gang of seven thugs from the East Patchogue/Medford section of South County. All seven were arrested and face a charge of first-degree gang assault.

The Lucero killing follows an eerily similar incident this past July in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. Another gang of young thugs murdered Luis Eduardo Martinez for the crime of being an Latino immigrant. Both incidents were preceded by a growing bias incidents spurred, in part, by the irresponsible rhetoric and actions of local politicians, hate radio and national nativist agitators.

To his credit Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy immediately issued this statement: "This heinous crime that led to the death of an individual because of his race will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,"

However, what's needed for Levy, Suffolk legislators, town leaders, clergy , educators, business leaders and parents to stand united in condemning the Lucero murder. Additionally, politicians must stop contributing to a hostile environment with irresponsible rhetoric and scapegoating measures.

Link: Cops: Fatal stabbing of Patchogue man a hate crime

Photo: Marcello Lucero

El Diario: Political Blowback

Attacking immigrants is just not good politics. Some politicians learned this the hard way. In this election cycle, several politicians campaigned on anti-immigrant platforms—and lost. The most outrageous was Congressman Tom Tancredo, who ran for the Republican nomination for president. Tancredo is in favor of ending legal immigration.

Undoubtedly, some politicians will resort to another fear-based campaign to rile up voters. But the tide of blaming immigrants may have run its course.

Other candidates—namely Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney—tried to outdo Tancredo. But their sparring during the primary debates did not take them to the top of the Republican ticket. And ultimately, Republican nominee John McCain, by backstepping on immigration reform, failed to move the vast majority Latino voters. Latin American immigrants are 40 percent of the Hispanic electorate. The vast majority of Latinos support a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants.

The scapegoating of immigrants had its consequences locally. Republican incumbents like State Senator Serphin Maltese were not helped by their party’s shortsighted platform on immigration and the economy. And without a disastrous party, Maltese alone would have been counting his days in Queens, the borough with the largest immigrant population. Maltese voted against a state measure allowing non citizen students to pay the same rate of in-state tuition as native students.

But one of the most significant defeats in the northeast was of Mayor Lou Barletta of Hazleton, PA. Barletta appeared on the national radar when he pushed through a harsh anti-immigrant ordinance that was thrown out in a legal battle. With the admiration of enforcement-only zealots, Barletta ran for Congress. He lost on Tuesday.

Click here and here for more on Barletta; here for more on Tancredo; and here for why Maltese's opponent--Senator-elect Joseph Addabbo--was the better choice for Latinos and immigrants of Queens .

Undoubtedly, some politicians will resort to another fear-based campaign to rile up voters. But the tide of blaming immigrants may have run its course.

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Sgt. Alex Jiménez' Final Gift?

Sgt. Alex Jiménez was finally laid to rest today at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. A funeral mass was held earlier at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Corona, Queens.

Sgt. Alex Jiménez was one of three U.S. soldiers that went missing in Iraq a year and half ago. Listed as a POW/MIA, his remains were finally found a few weeks ago in a village south of Baghdad.

Make no mistake about it, Sgt. Alex Jiménez' is an American story with a timely lesson for us.

Alex was an immigrant to the U.S. -- and like so many other immigrants, a gift to this nation. He was born in the Dominican Republic and was brought to the U.S. as a child. His parents, Maria Duran and Ramon Jiménez, lived and labored in the immigrant communities of Corona, Queens and Lawrence, Massachusetts. By all accounts, Alex was a good guy.

It's been said that Alex knew early on he wanted to serve his country as a member of the U.S. military. He enlisted, made the U.S. Army's elite 10th Mountain Division, and was sent off to war -- to the Iraq. And as has happened to so many other immigrant parents, Maria and Ramon lost their son.

However, Jiménez' story has a contemporary twist -- and I don't just mean that he fought and died in an unpopular war whose true purpose has been veiled. It's about the domestic and popular war against immigrants. Specifically, while Jiménez was missing in action in Iraq, his young wife, Yaderlin, was being threatened by ICE blackboots with deportation.

Yes, the very government Alex was serving was rushing to boot his new wife from the country. Imagine the fear and sense of helplessness they must have felt. It was only when Alex went missing in action that Yaderline's terrible plight became known. If it hadn't been for the ensuing public outcry, she surely would have been booted.

So, it's only fitting that Jiménez be buried in Long Island; after all, it's a place heavily shaped by the contributions and sacrifices of immigrants and their children. And it's an island that is being transformed and renewed by newer waves of immigrants settling in Long Island City, Montauk and everywhere in between.

Sadly though, Long Island has its unique brand of nativism -- an anti-newest and poorest immigrant intolerance percolating just beneath its leafy surface. It's a bias that operates subtly (and not-so-subtly) through local codes, profiling, racial steering and the like; and during times of strive--such as the present--flows into acts of intimidation, vandalism, assault and even murder.

Unfortunately, it's a dark side too many Long Islanders deny -- even though it's evident to even the casual observer.

So when "Latinos Go Home" was splashed for all to see, authorities just weren't sure the message was anti-Hispanic hate. Or when a motorist jumped the curb and plowed into a groups of Latino day workers, authorities didn't see it as a bias crime--or any crime at all. Or when a restaurant was harrassed by the local police only during "Hispanic Nights", yet authorities claimed they were just enforcing the law. Or when a village seizes rental property under the guise that it's an eyesore, evicts the immigrant/Latino residents, and trustees wonder why their motives are suspect. Or when county legislature push laws targeting Latino immigrant workers claiming they're only levelling the playing field for their largely white, middle class and heavily protected, nonimmigrants constituents. Or when a local cable station exams the rise of hate groups, ignores local anti-immigrant incidents, and then proclaims Long Island to be hate-free.

(BTW: The above incidents--and countless others--are all real and have occured on Long Island in just the last few months.)

Perhaps Sgt. Alex Jiménez' burial in Long Island soil will help sow a new resolve among concerned residents--oldtimers and newcomers, native-born and foreign-born, whites and people of color--that stopping nativism and hate is vital to preserving all that is good and right about Long Island.

Might it be Sgt. Alex Jiménez' final gift to us?

Links:
WCBS-Channel 2 -- Fallen Hero
The Body of Alex Jiménez Found
Sgt. Alex Jiménez (POW/MIA): R.I.P.
Prayers And Hope
Alex Jimenez' Wife Might Be Deported
Iraq: Missing soldiers' bodies recovered
May 2007 abduction of US soldiers in Iraq
Jimenez Family Waits
Alex Jimenez's MySpace page
Kerry Tells Homeland Security Not to Deport Wife of Missing Soldier
Woman's husband missing in Iraq since May; DHS halts her deportation