How were these people criminals after the INS released them. after they where investigated? About ten of them are still in custody and it has been reported that a majority of them were held because of immigration problems. I think that arresting a group of people based on their ethnic background is just wrong. To throw out the Constitutional rights of these people to catch (a big maybe) a terrorist, i feel is wrong. Also, why hasnt the US gov't arrested the entire Iranian population in the US? Makes no sense to have people voluntarily come to them to be investigated and arrested. Besides, do you honestly think that a terrorist will come and turn himself in to the INS?
I'm not sure I understand the question, when did the INS release them? Before they were arrested? They arrested people who were here illegally. People who break the law are, all together now, CRIM-I-NALS. I know everyone wants to make sure not to offend anyone, but it is still okay to call a lawbreaker a criminal. It is still okay to arrest someone for breaking the law. I don't think anyone has constitutional carte blanch to do whatever they feel like regardless of the law. As for why they haven't arrested the entire Iranian population, it might have something to do with the fact that some of them are here LEGALLY. Actually it makes perfect sense for the reasons I gave above. If you do not want to be investigated, it makes no sense to come forward, except that your cooperation will usually be viewed favorably. Several people were detained for some purpose, they could be involved in terrorism. Putting that aside though, could we enforce our immigration laws without any connection whatsoever to terrorism?
From the article: I can only go by what the article said. They asked all non-permanent residents to come forward, but according to the INS only arrested the criminals. Since this seems like some sort of mandatory policy, I guess all those who did not come forward are now criminals though.
