By Rosemary Jenks, Updated Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 8:00 AM EST - posted on NumbersUSA

As Director of Government Relations for NumbersUSA, I am used to outrageous statements from Members of Congress. But I was truly shocked recently when I witnessed a federal judge commend an illegal-alien felon in federal court.
A few weeks ago, I was in Federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia supporting a government whistleblower. While we were waiting for the judge to call the whistleblower’s case, we listened to a case that perfectly illustrates the failure of the Federal government to take our immigration laws seriously...
The case involved an illegal alien from El Salvador who was first deported from the United States in 2005. The alien then reentered the United States illegally (a felony that, by itself, carries a penalty of fines, up to two years' imprisonment and a five-year ban on reentry) and was eventually arrested on a theft charge. He pled guilty to the charge (another felony) and was charged with reentry after removal and, once again, put into removal proceedings. By the time his case came before the federal judge in Virginia, he had spent a total of just over four months in detention.
The judge explained the charges against the illegal alien and asked if he understood that he could face a lengthy prison term if he pled guilty. He said he understood. Then the judge asked if he had anything he wanted to say. Since the illegal alien spoke no English, his attorney explained that he had only come here to earn money to send home to his wife and children in El Salvador and he was pleading guilty in the hopes of being released quickly from detention so he could go back to providing for his family.
To my surprise, the judge sentenced the illegal-alien felon to the four months that he had already served. Then, the judge commended him for all he had done (by breaking U.S. laws-both immigration and criminal) to support his family back in El Salvador!
Very little shocks me after spending 20 years in Washington, but I have to admit that I am shocked at a federal judge who thinks it is commendable to violate U.S. law when it serves one's own economic needs.
I would not, however, be shocked to learn that this particular illegal alien is already back in Virginia, perhaps even working at his former job. For him, as for millions of others, it is absolutely worth risking illegal entry to the United States (or illegally overstaying a visa) because even if you commit a crime, the U.S. court system will let you off and sing your praises while they do it. I have no doubt that that federal judge taught him a lesson he will live (here) by for a long time!
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TwitterEdward5184 of VA
Wed, 09/09/2009 - 10:25am
I live in VA. There are so many illegal aliens here, that most of my construction related clients are going out of business. Many are bankrupt and now without a home. these folks hired an average of 5 workers. Just my little accounting practice has seen over 100 jobs disappear. Meanwhile, my neighbors are 5 families from el salvador in one house. They are all working. My husband and sons cannot find good jobs...actually they are having a hard time finding anything at all.
Living within 50 miles of DC, most of my acquaintances seem to be working for the federal govt. Many would prefer to work locally, but those jobs go to illegals first. they are willing to take less pay, don't concern themselves with cleanliness of cooking areas as much(so they save the employer money). I even saw one of my sons fired becasue he couldn't speak spanish. WHY?
The saddest part is, if my son had been brought to trial for the same issues, he would have spent a much longer timein jail. He also has children to support, where are his kudos? For that matter, where is his job?
Yvette9984 of CA
Mon, 09/21/2009 - 1:31am
we allow our government to do this. WHY? Do we have special interest in Washington for the American people? Illegal's do.
Dolores8891 of CO
Mon, 09/07/2009 - 4:22pm
These judges that pander to the illegal immigrants
and let them off easy should be fired.
Toby3513 of TX
Mon, 09/07/2009 - 3:05pm
I tried to sue an Illegal for expenses I incurred in an accident he caused. He had no driver license, no insurance, was stopped dead on a highway at a curve with no hazard lights on. I chastised him, in court, for not using public transportation as it is there for those who do not qualify for a license, or cannot afford the LUXURY of driving a vehicle. The judge responded (to me) that lots of people drive without a license and insurance. What? So that makes it OK? I had hoped that by bringing up certain points, the judge would at least reprimand the Illegal, even if I lost the case. What a farce. No wonder the Illegal was so kicked back in the court room awaiting our turn. They know nothing is going to be done about anything they do. The idiot has been here long enough to have two children and a mortgage yet didn't speak English and admitted he was here on a visa. What kind of visa lasts longer than 6 months and allows you to drive with no experience?
John 5828 of CT
Mon, 09/07/2009 - 9:57am
The longer this behavior goes on without exposing these judges,the more our country is put in jeopardy.It's your duty to name this judge and the district he presides over""enough is enough."
Tue, 09/08/2009 - 7:40am
I will gladly name him--just as soon as my whistleblower friend's case before him is concluded.
Sun, 09/06/2009 - 10:30am
We apologize for not responding earlier here for Rosemary. She is on vacation. I suspect that Rosemary doesn't want to name the judge and start a deserved protest against him because he is handling her whistleblower's case.
William0917 of AL
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 9:54pm
It is wrong when a judge uses his thinking instead of going by the constitution.
Gary6311 of AZ
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 7:23pm
The only way we are going to get government under control is for every state to have ammendments/proprositions passed by the voters to tie the hands and the authority of our elected officials, AND ALL judges, not to supercede the majority vote of the people.
My personal view of these types of judges and legislators is they are traitors to the American Citizens and our Constitution and should not only be kicked out of office, but to serve prison time and community service.
Our country is under a trojan horse style attack to destroy the American way of life as we have known it for centuries. All Americans are starting to FEEL the effects of "The New World Order" that Bush #1 announced, but the program has been in progress since the U.S. has allowed FREE TRADE agreements and not FAIR TRADE agreements.
How many people know the federal government was mostly funded by tariffs from imported goods from other countries. This was to directly protect the American workers from exploitation of off-shore slave labor which has been happening since the end of WWII. Foreign companies own huge interest in some of our most important domestic companies, especially where natural resources are concerned.
I could go on stating the destructive elements that will be the demise of America, unless and until Americans start becoming ACTIVE in defending the liberties that were granted to us by those who gave their lives defending our culture, our way of life, and our freedoms. Though now all of these are under attack by outside interest and our own leaders... leading us into a new world order of misery and control.
Stop being lazy and make a stand to become active in defending what is right for America, or you will become a prisoner. The choice is yours right now, but tomorrow may be too late.
This must be done in a civilized manner otherwise another civil war could result, and possibly lead to a world war by tyrant countries who would take advantage of the opportunity.
June3610 of TX
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 5:40pm
I decided long ago that the pro-illegals in whatever position are in it for two things - votes or payoffs. I don't think we'll find any with altruistic motives around today. So, wonder what this unbelievably stupid judge got for his sellout? Maybe "appreciation" from La Raza or one one the other anti-American organizations? Like the rest of you, I wish Rosemary would reveal his name. He certainly needs a few emails to let him know what concerned citizens think of him.
Harry F.3119 of NJ
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 2:48pm
This insanity is going to continue unless we begin to confront the legal system head-on. All we ever hear is that we are a country of laws, but you would never know it by the way the courts are forever ruling in favor of criminals. Hell, in my home state of The Socialist Republic of New Jersey, it is a well known fact that if you are a vicitm you may ultimatley become the criminal in the courts eyes.
Please give us the name of the judge!
Donald9043 of CA
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 1:20pm
Please, someone give me the name and address of the Judge. This judge has a supervising judge and that supervisor needs to know. I want to voice my opinion. I am no longer going to sit by and watch this happen. A sleeping giant.
Gladys4926 of TX
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 8:07pm
I'm sorry for you it was your state who gave us that crazy woman who is now Speaker of the House and she is the one pushing so hard to open our borders and forget citizenship. Of course if the rest of California was smart they would kick San Francisco out of their state mabey even out of the US
Marvin7705 of AL
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 12:38pm
this judge like the one that let obama aunt stay after she had been ordered to leave by a judge or the one that after ice arrested 27 illegals in washington at that moter plant gave them work permet,s and let them go back to work need to resign and go to jail if i break the law i bet you that nether one would not say that ok you were just trying to be a good family man so 3 hail marys and go your way
David1839 of VA
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 11:03am
This case sounds as though the judge had "empathy" instead of respect for the law. This judge should be removed from the bench, and the illegal alien arrested again.
Montgomery0903 of TX
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 9:56am
Dear Rosemary,
This is quite an interesting picture of you, although it does not really reflect your natural beauty. :) After scanning these comments I notice that many here are hoping you might publish the name of the judge. Although I agree that there could be some flak directed toward the bench from your members I doubt if it would be sufficient to change the judges opinions. In any case, we see other issues on a daily basis that give us cause to wonder such as judges who are proactive in illegal alien abetting by lower felonies down to misdemeanors and imposing lesser penalties (under 1 year) so the aliens will not be reported to ICE and deported.
Anyway, I know you are doing a great job in DC and I love you for that!
Peace and Love,
Monty
John6898 of CA
Fri, 09/04/2009 - 11:41pm
Time served is the standard for re-entry after deporation. That has been for a long time. Don't get so worked up about this. At least he got some time.
Winifred4335 of AZ
Fri, 09/04/2009 - 10:16pm
Time to get rid of the judges that don't know the law or have total disregard for. They have forgotten who they are serving.
Ewald7068 of FL
Fri, 09/04/2009 - 9:40pm
This is a fine example of the type of judges that Obama wants more of on the Supreme Court and all the other courts too.
Karl8555 of TN
Thu, 09/03/2009 - 10:19pm
This is absolutely beyond the absurd. I truly believe there are many policy/decision makers in this country who are, in fact, frustated, wanna-be performers. How else can one explain all the theatrics and staging of subjects normally reserved for the political or law-enforcement arenas.
This fellow seems to be a vindictive plutocrat, frustrated by what he perceives to be recent setbacks to his, rather obvious agenda. So what does he do? In order to assert his authority, he abuses his power.
Just a theory ... but if true, then it's another small sign that we're making them nervous. And when their nervous, they make mistakes.
J. Bruce4682 of MA
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 7:24pm
Very interesting, a federal judge who verbally supports illegal activity while at the bench. I must just not have a clue as to how the law and judicial system work and relate to each other because logically it seems to me that such a statement would be grounds for the judge's removal.
Michael8543 of CO
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 12:08pm
More than that, the judge is guilty of a Federal Felony by his encouragement of the illegal, under Sec8USC1324. A judge who is guilty of a Felony should be removed and fined the $5K, and maybe even do the 5 years it calls for, too! Felonies are grounds for removal of any judge, including the SCOTUS. Everyone seems afraid to enforce the law, when witnessing a Felony can come under Citizen's Arrest Rules.
Ron0159 of NY
Tue, 09/08/2009 - 4:55pm
There's some really great citizens out there in Arizona, especially the anti-amnesty grouping on AZCentral,and I know they're going to continue to fight Nappy & Solis who are doing their best to replace Legal American workers with illegal aliens. However, in all fairness, we must exercise a little patience, until the court case is concluded. Would you want both Rosemary & her whistleblower to get life without the possibility of parole? (It is said that a judge is "god" in his/her courtroom!) Stranger things have happened. Remember the case of the hero border agents condemned by the U.S. Court System for doing their jobs? Remember how the scum illegal alien criminal was mollycoddled & continued in his nefarious ways with the blessing of the powers-that-be?
Please be a bit patient. People like this anti-American judge will come to rue the day!
Remember the elections!
Elena9645 of OR
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 1:48pm
I'll bet Nancy Pelosi is a good friend of this judge...
Dorothy7665 of NE
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 10:48am
Thank you for this post. It would be appropriate in my opinion to list both the name of the judge involved and the case number.
Cal3639 of WY
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 7:17am
Not Only Should The Name Of The Judge Be Published, So Should The Entire Ruling Record Of This Particular Judge. If This Is Strictly An Immigration Judge, Then He Or She Should Be Removed From The Bench And Placed In An Area Where They Can Do No Harm, Like Hearing Frivolous Lawsuits From Federal Prisoners That Have No Chance, That Way If This Judge Continues His Or Her Ways The Lawyers That Are Dealing With These Cases Will Have Documented Rulings, Then They Can Seen By The Public!
This Will Only Get Worse If Obama Is Re-elected For Another Term, But Hey, That Is Democracy, Or Is It!? This Is The Beginning Of End Of America And Its Constitution, So This Really Is No Surprise.
Judges Have Been Commending Criminal Behavior For Years As Well As Jurors, It Is Called Giving Them Parole!
Maurna9236 of AZ
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 12:15am
Rosemary, would you please either give the name of the judge OR at least the case names (U.S. v ??) so NumbersUSA members can read the case docket and/or ruling online.
Caroline7445 of CO
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 10:53pm
This is outrageous. This judge is just one example of a misguided, educated idiot in a powerful position. Whatever happened to our "Nation of Laws"?
Jerry3073 of CA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 10:13pm
what I like to know is - what's the name of the judge?
and it sure does seem sort of strange that nobody is doing anything about this. I mean - doesn't the federal judge have to follow the law too?
if the federal judge is aiding and abetting criminals, is he not also liable to our laws?
what can one do to remedy this problem - other than shoot the guy?
enquiring minds like to know...
William7555 of CT
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 5:33pm
Now with Judge Sotomayor, the anti people's rights pro federal powers judge, with compasion and "empathy for immigrants," you ain't seen nuttin yet.
The Constitution was just written by a few of the more radical and flamboyant founding fathers... it was never meant to be taken seriously, or even published. And if it was serious, don't you know that it's a living document, subject to change, modern interpretation and mob rule?
That is the difference between a Republic and a Democracy. Republics use the natural law, Democracy uses mob rule where 49% of the people are slaves to the 51%.
This must be what the end of this great country looks like.
As the greatest generation dies off, so goes the country
Larry1756 of CA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 4:24pm
I too am so sick of these useless suits that control this country ... They are nothing but useless wastes of skin.
Cindy3684 of CA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 3:58pm
This makes me sick to my stomach. I try so hard to teach my children to abide by the laws. If we did half what this illegal-alien did... we would be in federal prison. It is mind boggling that this government doesn't care. What happened to the USA that my father fought for in World War II. He was blinded for 40 days, had his LST blown up and he had to have a false knee cap and he was at D-Day in Normandy and Okinawa. If he were alive today... what would I tell him about this government. I know my eyes would be filled with tears and my heart heavy seeing the disappointment in his eyes!
John3870 of MN
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 3:36pm
If Judges don't respect the law, all we can look forward too is anarchy. Everybody needs to be judged by one standard. Here we have a different standard for immigrants. PC strikes against fairness and morality once again. What would our country be like if all the world's poor ignored our laws and flooded over the borders like this criminal?
What if everybody ignored our laws which didn't suit them?
We will find out the answers to those questions soon, because we feel guilty and the whole world knows our laws are just a farce. What about the other 5 billion people who have poor families? Are they all invited to break into the USA too? They will probably get a good citizenship award from our President or our Congress. It's insane.
Maurna9236 of AZ
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 3:00pm
The specifics of this case and the ruling s/b public record. NumbersUSA - would you please give the name of this judge?
Martin 1153 of WA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 2:38pm
An Excellent Example
When I walk in to a courthouse to serve jury duty I squint. The courts aren't upholding the laws on a flat table. Its a clear double standard and it embarrasses me as an American.
Legal Americans must obey all laws. Illegal Aliens and their Organised Crime employers only have to obey a portion of the laws.
Julia1183 of CA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 2:36pm
An Op-ed, or a letter to the editor in a Virginia newspaper would be a good idea.
Tell the story about the judge and the message it sends....that even more illegal aliens will come to Virginia to take American jobs. Can Virginians afford fewer jobs?
Richard6783 of MA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 2:04pm
We should work towards his impeachment
David0917 of MD
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 1:53pm
I wonder if the name of this judge be published. I think we all should send a fax to this judge telling him that his action is outrageous and can not be tolerated. What a joke and sometimes I wonder how these judges get their job in the first place.
Albert3441 of PA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 11:10am
This anecdote is priceless and it is emblematic of the federal government’s approach to immigration law enforcement. The judge’s attitude helps to explain why illegal immigration has become such a serious and growing problem in the US.
Suppose that the lawbreaker were a US citizen who stole a car. He tells the judge that auto theft is hard work and he only does it to support his family. The judge says that he admires the thief’s spirit of enterprise and responsibility and that he can go free and can keep the car as a reward. Would we have more problems with auto theft in that judge’s jurisdiction, or less?
Laws that are not enforced are neither obeyed nor respected. How could a judge fail to understand that?
Andrew0478 of PA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 10:34am
This is a disgrace.
This judge should lose his job. Better yet, I hope this illegal breaks into this judge's house and see how much he will be commending him then.
Elena1163 of NY
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 10:24am
Who owns this judge?
Fred6648 of OR
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 9:55am
It would be nice to know which judge did this unthinkable thing. I can think of a handful of LEGAL immigrants that would probably like to send him/her their thoughts about his comments.
Michael2817 of CA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 9:13am
Members in Virginia need to see how to get this UnAmerican Judge Fired!!!
Ronald5671 of MA
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 8:16pm
This speaks volumes for the American Justice System!! What a let down.
MD2510 of MA
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 7:19am
The judge lives in his/her ivory tower and probably never spent a day in the 'real world' looking for ordinary jobs to make a living. Feels empathy for the teeming masses of the world like the recent appointee to the SC. Not surprised at all.
Gwen6997 of CA
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 1:56am
I suggest we send a link to this web page to the following judges in Virginia (heck, let them all know what's going on):
As of May 7, 2007, a vacancy exists in the Eastern District of Virginia due to Judge Robert E. Payne's decision to assume senior status. No replacement nomination is pending at this time.
Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 3,[8] the district is grouped into four divisions, which include the following active and senior judges:
Alexandria
Main article: List of judges of the United States District Court for the Districts of Virginia
District Judge Leonie Brinkema
District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee
District Judge Liam O'Grady
District Judge Anthony J. Trenga
Senior District Judge James C. Cacheris
Senior District Judge T.S. Ellis, III
Senior District Judge Claude M. Hilton
Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson
Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan
Magistrate Judge T. Rawles Jones, Jr.
Magistrate Judge Ivan D. Davis
Norfolk
District Judge Mark Davis
District Judge Jerome B. Friedman
District Judge Raymond A. Jackson
District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith
Senior District Judge Robert G. Doumar
Senior District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr.
Magistrate Judge James E. Bradberry
Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller
Magistrate Judge William T. Prince
Magistrate Judge F. Bradford Stillman
Richmond
Chief District Judge James R. Spencer
District Judge Henry E. Hudson
Senior District Judge Robert E. Payne
Senior District Judge Richard Leroy Williams
Magistrate Judge Dennis Dohnal
Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck
Frederick7969 of NC
Thu, 09/03/2009 - 6:38pm
Preposterous absolutly Preposterous. High and mighty judges
have no problem letting illegal aliens get away with breaking the law.
SLEEP TIGHT JUDGE DREAM OF ILLEGAL ALIENS HOPPING OVER FENCES WITH NO WORRY BECAUSE YOU WILL LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT
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Rosemary Jenks
Wed, 10/07/2009 - 2:49pm
Re: Illegal Alien Commended By Federal Judge
For those who are interested in the name of the Judge who commended an illegal alien for breaking our laws to support his family, the judge's name is Liam O'Grady.