Virginia Beach leaders strike back at Fox's Bill O'Reilly

The bottom line is, being in this country is a privilege, not a right. Legal immigrants are screened so (one hopes) the trouble makers get weeded out. Illegal aliens have no respect for the law, and the don't respect the laws when they get here. They know that they can always flee back to Mexico, or wherever they came from. The people of Virginia Beach need to get rid of their worthless-excuse-for-a-human-being mayor before more American girls are victimized by illegal aliens driving drunk in that city. I would encourage everyone to write to their representatives and support legislation that withholds all federal funds from cities and States that do not vigorously enforce immigration laws. Furthermore, being in this country illegally needs to be a felony--the current practice of simply deporting people so they can sneak back in repeatedly, steal our social security numbers, rape our girls, or get drunk and kill our kids has got to stop.

As a mother of four, beautiful daughters I am heart sick and saddened by the d.u.i. murder of two of Va. Beach teenagers. As people across the country are polarized by this terrible tragedy and crime (those who consider this to be an immigration crime and those who consider this to be a crime of drunk driving) I cannot help but wonder why these two 'camps' cannot see that this tragedy encompasses BOTH issues? Yes, Alfredo Ramos was drunk when he plowed the car he was driving into another vehicle (at a stoplight), killing two, innocent teenagers. Alfredo Ramos was also living, working and driving ILLEGALLY in this country and in the state of Virginia when he plowed the vehicle he was driving into another vehicle, killing two, innocent teenagers. This SENSELESS tragedy is about Alfredo Ramos living, working, driving and commiting crimes in this country and in Virginia. This SENSELESS tragedy might have been prevented had Alfredo Ramos not been here in the first place. God have mercy.

The City and State claim the illegal immigration issue is a federal matter. Would the State or City turn a blind eye to a kidnapper because it is a federal matter? Has the City or State taken ANY measures to ensure that the contractors and sub-contractors that the City or State hire are complying with immigration rules? A simple step would be to write a clause in every State & City contract requiring that the contractor only hire legal immigrants or citizens and that they prove it. I recall the Virginia Beach jail was built with what many allege was predominantly illegal work force ... helping the contractors who have the politicians in their political back pocket. Stop the cronism; stop the back peddling and just start protecting us and our jobs. Put criminals in jail, be they drunk drivers, illegal immigrants or those who hire them!

I feel the real story and tragedy here is that two teenage girls are dead due to a drunk driver. So instead of slinging mud, going off about illegal immigrants, and defending actions or non-actions of the Virginia Beach Government, why don't we step up our actions against drunk drivers. For starters if we notice that someone is driving erratically, we can all start using our cell phones to call 911 and report drunk drivers. Let's get them off the streets before they kill someone else and/or themselves. Let's not forget what has happened here, let's stay focused on the real problem, and let's launch some positive campaigns to get drunk drivers off our roads.

The option of selectively enforcing or obeying the law is never up to an individual in a Democracy; even if they are the Virginia Beach Mayor, the judge involved in this case, or the Police Chief. Their action of choosing not to enforce a law transferred the right of not obeying laws to each individual in the community. That is not acceptable nor is the actions of the offending officials who are directly responsible for the deaths of the two girls.

i was picked up down there in 91 before we left for operation desert storm. Riding a bike and if i wasn't going to be deployed they would of put me in jail for 30 days and fined me around 600 dollars and that was the first time ever i was drunk in public

Amazing how no one has even addressed the fact that the girls were out beyond curfew time (11PM in Va Beach)...had they been at home and not on the streets perhaps they would be alive today! City of Va Beach and the parents failed to enforce the curfew.

How can anyone have a mayor and police chief that acted like they did? Do they hate teenage girls? Why didn't the judge give that illegal crin=minal 40 years in the lockup on his last conviction? I'm just so glad that my kids are not anywhere near that city.

I agree that this is a drunk driving issue, however, I can't help to wonder that if the two young ladies that lost there lives because of this drunken illegal were our Mayor or Police Chief's daughters, would they have such a light hearted view on detaining illegals when they are caught and convicted of crimes in there city or any other city. Perhaps if he had been caught with a car bomb at the Va Beach Town Center, they would think just how serious of a problem that illegals are in Virginia Beach.

I agree with the commenter who said let's focus on the crime, not whether or not the person was a citizen. Who cares, if he was or not, the problem is that he was allowed to drive again, after being arrested for prior DUI's. We need to do something about the DUI deaths that are accruing at an alarming rate in the area. Not just among illegal immigrants but also the military and several young people.

First Crime - Illegally entering our country.

Second Offense - should have been deportation.

We are killing this country with political correctness. Put these people (illegal aliens) out.

This won't fix the DUI problem but it will certainly cut our crime stats.

Shame on our Government, local and federal, for not protecting us from this.

Frankly, Bill O'Reilly has a point, but our librarian-dingbat mayor in Va Beach probably isn't who I would attack. She has no agenda other to follow whatever other cities do and that's politically correct.

She has done a terrible job as our mayor, Oceana, The Waterfront, Shore Drive, etc. and she's nothing more than a typical politician, just a little slower than most. She's at parades, dinners, comittees for ridiculous causes, festivals, anything but managing the city. I shake my head in disbelief when I hear her at city council meetings on our local cable station, we deserve better.

I understand the frustration here, with both
issues. We've had abandoned cars here after
illegals have accidents and just leave and run.
It presents a problem no doubt about it. I think
the policeman's comments tell it to you straight. They can't do anymore then they do as
far as the illegal alien problem. Now as far as
drunk driving which this case is about there
are tough laws in place.

I think all are to blame in some way. We definately need more strict, harsh laws to put people convicted of DUI's away for a long time. These laws need to be addressed at city, state and Federal levels's. As far as the VA Beach mayor goes, I personally think she is only concerned with Tourism, not the citizens of Virginina Beach, and needs to stand down.

As a retired law enforcement officer, I cannot believe the lame comments and excuses put forth by the Police Chief and Mayor.
Bottom line - if the federal government, the city and the police dept had done their jobs, the two young girls would still be alive.
If the U. S. does not get illegal immigration under control very soon, this nation will eventually become a third world country. With leaders such as we have in Virginia Beach, that day is coming closer and closer.

I agree with James S......the police are not allowed to ask immigration status. They are as upset as everyone else...they work the accidents with illegals, and have to tell the other drivers that the guy has no insurnace, no license, and all hs is getting is a summons. Some officers have taken to just transporting them to the magistrate, but even there, they get released quickly. Then, the officer gets in trouble for taking an illegal to jail.

The issue is about drunk drivers, which the police handle most efficiently. The courts are to blame for their weak sentencing and not requiring a valid ID to let these people out of jail!!!

We need to lay off the cops and the mayor, they are not to blame for the national policy of weak borders.

The major issue is not that Ramos was an illegal, but he was convicted of previous DUI's. People are always quick to blame the first person they can think of. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this is not partially the mayors fault. In all actuallity, it is all of the commonwealths fault. Virginia sets the laws for drinking and driving. I have read these laws and I don't think they are tough enough. The police did their job by arresting the driver, they are not to blame. Everything is out of the officer's hands once they are booked, it is up to the legal system to dish out the appropriate punishment. We need to stress to all of our local officials that there needs to be a reform of the drinking and driving laws, this is the only way to get any justice. Here is the link to some of Virginia's DMV laws about drinking and driving ://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/general/news/news.asp?id=4401. Get educated and know your facts before you place the blame on anyone.

The silent majority needs to rise up. Start by emailng every Federal and State Representative on this illegal immigration issue. I did so at c-span - they have every rep listed and you can click on them and send email automatically - it takes 10 minutes. www3.capwiz.com/c-span/home/

This IS an ILLEGAL immigrant is and a drunk driving issue had this criminal been deported these two young adults would be alive. This city officials should be fired immediately - and even State and Federal rep's who allow this to happen. Time to speak up!!!

It is tragic enough that these two families have lost their children to a drunk driver. Undeniably ,this is a common occurence in America. As far as that aspect it does not matter who was driving. God bless those families and friends. It is excruciatingly painful to know that our government, at all levels, has no intention of protecting us and our society from illegal aliens. Chief Jakock's policy is a joke and an insult to anyone who has any common sense.Whats'next pandering to bank robbers? The press conference was pitiful. It is time to hold the employers of these illegals accountable. We need stiff penalties to put people in prison for paying illegals for work. Period. The country of Mexico and the United States employers should be held accountable. The people who are employing these illegals are no different than drug dealers. If there are not laws in place to enforce legal immigration, then it is time to make them. Wake up!

All the talk should be only about a convicted DUI driver! Not about being an illegal immigrant. What happen was a man got drunk and killed two innocent girls. What if he was here on a legal work visa, would we be talking about that. What if he was here with his family on a tourist visa. His immigration status should not anything to do with this!!! Legal or illegal he broke the law, not once but three times. (or more) think about the people that were born here that do that every day and still go free!!!! This is about a DUI...check your ancestry, your ancestors may have been illegal immigrants!!!!! This Country was built by immigrants...the first illegal ones to get here we called the pilgrims!!! Stop being ignorant, this is about any man or woman driving drunk. The only thing different is instead of him costing our tax payers millions to keep him in prison, we can deport him!!

I am appalled at the policy that Police Chief A. M. Jacocks has adopted and the city of Virginia Beach apparently has accepted. "The policy is similar to those used by other large cities and is necessary so that illegal immigrants will report crimes and help in the prosecution of crimes without fear of retribution from law enforcement." How many have come forward and helped with a case? Maybe Bill O'Reilly is right. Virginia Beach is a sancuary city. Alfredo Ramos was not only convicted of D.U.I. but also identity theft. The system would have put me under the jail for those crimes. Apparently he had nothing to fear due to Chief Jacocks policy. The judicial system failed Kelly Reilly and it has now failed Alison Kunhardt and Tessa Tranchant. I suggest that any new discoveries of illegal aliens should be transported to Washington, DC. AKA The District of Criminals.

I'll make my comment short and sweet (maybe not so sweet).....If the judges had done what they should have when they had Mr. Ramos in their courts, then these two girls would probably still be alive. The judicial system in the Tidewater area truly stinks!!!

Wow, saw the exchange between O'Reilly & Geraldo. Great TV. Fox News is so much better, not sure why folks give them a bad rap. Anyway, I agree with O'Reilly - bottom line, we should be processing illegals anytime they break the law, felony or misdemeanor. The mayor is embarrassing, I moved in the area in '99, and I can't believe this woman got re-elected. Since this is a sanctuary city, we should establish a flat sales tax on all purchases in the city, and do away with local income, real estate tax, etc. so the illegals pay their fair share (FairTax for Va Beach). Why should us property owners and taxpayers shell out for their benefits? I am really disgusted with the politicians at all levels - feds, state, and local. I would run for office, but I don't that kind of money unfortunately. You want change, vote libertarian or 3rd party independent. Please!

Same differnt verse --- rememebr the guy that killed two folks on Shore Drive that should have been held but released by the limp ineffective judicial system run by right wing liberals. When there is a crime - use the law do not waiver as some judges do... They think they know so much more and how to do the right thing.

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney says it's not his job. The VB Chief of Police says it's not his job, either. Mayor Oberndorf says it's not her job. Governor Kaine says it's not his job, either, and the State Troopers are too busy as it is. Senators Warner and Webb are sitting on their pedestals in the U.S. Senate trying to figure out how to give amnesty to millions of illegals without causing an uprising among the citizens. President Bush could seal the southern border with an Executive Order, but he's afraid that Hispanics wouldn't vote for Republicans in future elections if he did that. Let's face it, Folks, nobody from the city level to the President is really interested in solving the Mexican invasion. Our nation is going down the toilet while our elected officials either say, "It's not my job," or have some other self serving reason why they ignore the illegal alien problem. For the younger folks, learn Spanish. You're going to need it.

Let us take a close look at this unfortunate situation and let the blame fall at the right feet. First of all Alfredo Ramos is at fault for driving drunk. Ramos, charged with manslaughter for the two deaths, was convicted last year of public drunkenness in Virginia Beach and driving under the influence in Chesapeake. These two cities had a shot at him and could have called ICE at this point to have him removed. ICE should seek Ramos's brother since he is also an illegal alien. Ramos should have never been in the United States if the federal, state, and local governments did their jobs. It does not appear Virginia Beach is a sanctuary city but they are turning their backs on taking action to protect their city's residents. "This is about the overcrowding of your schools.

I live off Kings Grant behind Rose Hall Shops. I was at the light Friday night 20 mins before the accident. I see the roadside memorial everyday and it hurts my heart everyday. Knowing what this man had done in the past and was barely slapped on the wrist for it, makes me ill. And for the mayor to claim she had no idea what a "sanctuary city" even meant, is a bunch of bull. Defying federal law to me is a crime as well that needs to be addressed. (Even though the president has warned Virginia time and time again about not reporting illegal aliens that commit crimes) This is a truly sick thing. I did not realize how many sanctuary cities there were in America and I find it horrible that it takes an event like this to get more Americans involved on these practices. I pray that the girls families can find some justice in this situation and that Virginia Beach can find a mayor with common sense.

The real issue should be about the drunk drivers first, and then the illegal ailen (who should not be here). I am a Local police officer and I have arrested alot of D.U.I. drivers in the past and the courts are lame on the punishments. Along with that, I have arrested a few illegal ailens for D.U.I.'s and I have called the feds (immagration) about the illegal ailens and they stated that since he did not commit a severe crime, that they can't and don't have the manpower to pickup or detain these illegal ailens. All I could do is turn him over to the city jail and somehow even though he was an illegal ailen, he was able to post a bond and get released from jail. The whole issue with the immagration is up to the federal gov't and thay have to fix the problem. The local gov't (PD or city council) have no power or authority to detain or arrest the illegal ailens. The main issue is to educate people about drunk driving and make the punishment more severe to prevent drunk driving

The attempt by some to distract us from the real issues disturbs me to my core. This is not about Right Wing versus Left Wing, O'Reilly versus CNN, "bigots versus the righteous." This is about the truth! Let us get to the truth here, and let us stop all of the name calling and finger pointing right now. We deserve to know who knew what and when they knew it, who acted in the people's best interest and who did not. This is the time for all of the hard-working, decent Pilot reporters and editors to do their job in informing the public of the facts in this case, the back-story, the law, etc. Leave the hype to the tabloids. We, the public, should expect--nay demand--nothing short of a thorough and exhaustive investigative piece of reporting on this most tragic of events. There should be no consideration given to politics. Pilot, we are watching you now. I, for one, know that you are up to the task. Make us proud!

I've read the article, I've read the comments, I've seen clips of the show, and the only thing going through my head is how can anyone place the blame on anyone butRamos? The bottom line is that he got drunk, drove a car, and killed two girls. How often does it make the national news when someone other than an "illegal" gets arrested for the 5th or even 10th time for DUI? And besides, isn't our own federal government outsourcing jobs, offering immigrant drivers licenses? Let's keep the issue where it needs to stay, two girls died because a man, regardless of origin or legal status, made a stupid decision. Punish him for what he did, make him pay, make an example of him so no one else repeats his mistake. Should the mayor be doing damage control? No. Is this an opportunity to improve current laws and policies to help prevent this mistake from happening again? Yes.