Church to be billed for immigrant rally

Source: Associated Press

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - A church that is sheltering an illegal immigrant from Mexico and her U.S.-born infant son will be billed nearly $40,000 for the city police presence during a weekend protest, officials said.

Mayor Paul Miller, who called United Church of Christ congregants irresponsible for "harboring an illegal immigrant," told the City Council Monday that he was ready to issue the $39,306 invoice right away.

The church's decision to shelter the woman provoked the Sunday protest, which required a police presence, officials said.

"This City Council has the obligation to protect all citizens in the community against any potential violence as a result of these ill-conceived actions," Miller said.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070919/ap_on_re_us/sanctuary_protest

Why should the tax payers of that city foot the bill because the church chose to shelter an illegal immigrant? I also think that church should lose it's tax exempt status.

Same thing?

racist assholes?

And why should that church lose its tax status? For granting sanctuary? Do you have any clue how old that tradition is?

Geezus.

The choice to protest isnt theirs ....

The bill belongs to the community, NOT the church ....

BTW: I am atheist ....

you should get the bill ?

An anti-illegal immigration group organized the protest

To paraphrase Victor Hugo, 'Some people place more importance on imaginary red and blue lines on a map, while other place more importance on humanity'.

Out of curiousity, what is the specific and relevant reason you believe the church should lose it's tax-exempt status for acting as Sanctuary? Isn't that one action one of the most fundamental tenets of most main stream churches?

Don't know a lot about it but what I've heard gives me the impression it's a "white flight" kind of place.

Mexicans are OK there as long as they are mowin somebody's lawn.

but basically they are working class people who vote against their own self-interest. It is not a wealthy area. More and more immigrants moving in, which the populice sees as a big threat.

I'm curious why this bill isn't being sent to the white supremacists ... :shrug:

Because the local government has already said they will not pay it, that's why. Sheesh! :eyes: Pay attention!

After all, the White House has been notorious while Bush has squatted there for ignoring bills for increased security from municipalities that have had to incur extraordinary costs for his little visits to fleece the faithful.