16 illegals sue Arizona rancher

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

An Arizona man who has waged a 10-year campaign to stop a flood of illegal immigrants from crossing his property is being sued by 16 Mexican nationals who accuse him of conspiring to violate their civil rights when he stopped them at gunpoint on his ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Roger Barnett, 64, began rounding up illegal immigrants in 1998 and turning them over to the U.S. Border Patrol, he said, after they destroyed his property, killed his calves and broke into his home.

His Cross Rail Ranch near Douglas, Ariz., is known by federal and county law enforcement authorities as "the avenue of choice" for immigrants seeking to enter the United States illegally.

Trial continues Monday in the federal lawsuit, which seeks $32 million in actual and punitive damages for civil rights violations, the infliction of emotional distress and other crimes. Also named are Mr. Barnett's wife, Barbara, his brother, Donald, and Larry Dever, sheriff in Cochise County, Ariz., where the Barnetts live. The civil trial is expected to continue until Friday.

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[spookyturtle 9,465]

The way the court system works, the illegals will probably win.

[DeadPoolX 9]

I read the entire story and none of this makes sense. The rancher rounds up illegal aliens -- who are not only trespassing onto his land, but the entire country -- and turns them over to the Border Patrol and is now being sued for it by the illegals themselves?

This has to be one of the most fvcked up cases I've ever seen. As an American citizen, I'd be subject to trespassing laws if I went onto this man's property without permission. Yet it's okay for illegals? This country is really messed up.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I read the entire story and none of this makes sense. The rancher rounds up illegal aliens -- who are not only trespassing onto his land, but the entire country -- and turns them over to the Border Patrol and is now being sued for it by the illegals themselves?

This has to be one of the most fvcked up cases I've ever seen. As an American citizen, I'd be subject to trespassing laws if I went onto this man's property without permission. Yet it's okay for illegals? This country is really messed up.

Only in America could an illegal have more rights than a citizen. Maybe they should shoot first, ask questions later.

[HAL 9000 96]

Probably should have gone for human rights violations instead of civil rights violations but anywhoo... this is what they claim:

Attorneys for the immigrants - five women and 11 men who were trying to cross illegally into the United States - have accused Mr. Barnett of holding the group captive at gunpoint, threatening to turn his dog loose on them and saying he would shoot anyone who tried to escape.

and

In March, U.S. District Judge John Roll rejected a motion by Mr. Barnett to have the charges dropped, ruling there was sufficient evidence to allow the matter to be presented to a jury. Mr. Barnett's attorney, David Hardy, had argued that illegal immigrants did not have the same rights as U.S. citizens.

Nevertheless, I sympathize with him. Its his land and he has a right to defend it. He should also mount video surveillance equipment so he can back himself up just like anyone that has to fight a criminal complaint from a robber that sues after a homeowner beats Jesus into them after they break and enter and threaten the owner's safety.

There is one thing that's called reasonable response to criminal trespass and another is a violation of human and civil rights once an apprehension is made. There is no excuse for being an a$$hole if that is the case. Humans have as many rights as any other.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Probably should have gone for human rights violations instead of civil rights violations but anywhoo... this is what they claim:

Attorneys for the immigrants - five women and 11 men who were trying to cross illegally into the United States - have accused Mr. Barnett of holding the group captive at gunpoint, threatening to turn his dog loose on them and saying he would shoot anyone who tried to escape.

and

In March, U.S. District Judge John Roll rejected a motion by Mr. Barnett to have the charges dropped, ruling there was sufficient evidence to allow the matter to be presented to a jury. Mr. Barnett's attorney, David Hardy, had argued that illegal immigrants did not have the same rights as U.S. citizens.

Nevertheless, I sympathize with him. Its his land and he has a right to defend it. He should also mount video surveillance equipment so he can back himself up just like anyone that has to fight a criminal complaint from a robber that sues after a homeowner beats Jesus into them after they break and enter and threaten the owner's safety.

There is one thing that's called reasonable response to criminal trespass and another is a violation of human and civil rights once an apprehension is made. There is no excuse for being an a$$hole if that is the case. Humans have as many rights as any other.

But... and this is the point, illegal aliens do not have access to the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens. That doesn't mean you can "gun 'em down", but they are illegally in this country (and in Mr. Barnett's case, illegally on his property and causing damage).

[HAL 9000 96]

Probably should have gone for human rights violations instead of civil rights violations but anywhoo... this is what they claim:

Attorneys for the immigrants - five women and 11 men who were trying to cross illegally into the United States - have accused Mr. Barnett of holding the group captive at gunpoint, threatening to turn his dog loose on them and saying he would shoot anyone who tried to escape.

and

In March, U.S. District Judge John Roll rejected a motion by Mr. Barnett to have the charges dropped, ruling there was sufficient evidence to allow the matter to be presented to a jury. Mr. Barnett's attorney, David Hardy, had argued that illegal immigrants did not have the same rights as U.S. citizens.

Nevertheless, I sympathize with him. Its his land and he has a right to defend it. He should also mount video surveillance equipment so he can back himself up just like anyone that has to fight a criminal complaint from a robber that sues after a homeowner beats Jesus into them after they break and enter and threaten the owner's safety.

There is one thing that's called reasonable response to criminal trespass and another is a violation of human and civil rights once an apprehension is made. There is no excuse for being an a$hole if that is the case. Humans have as many rights as any other.

But... and this is the point, illegal aliens do not have access to the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens. That doesn't mean you can "gun 'em down", but they are illegally in this country (and in Mr. Barnett's case, illegally on his property and causing damage).

Which is why Mr Bennet detains them lawfully and hands them over to Border Patrol. While they may not have access to the same legal conventions that citizens have in this nation... they are entitled to all the same human rights any other human being is entitled to. Including lawful detention and humane treatment in said detention. Since Mr Bennet is acting as a private security force, he is also obliged to follow said standards. Which is likely the point of the lawsuit. Probably a bit frivolous... but nonetheless a point.

[TiffandDai 0]

I think he should counter sue the illegals for his property damage and emotional distress. This lawsuit is ludicrous. It's these frivolous cases that cost time, money and clog up the judiciary system!

[panamania79 2]

An Arizona man who has waged a 10-year campaign to stop a flood of illegal immigrants from crossing his property is being sued by 16 Mexican nationals who accuse him of conspiring to violate their civil rights when he stopped them at gunpoint on his ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Roger Barnett, 64, began rounding up illegal immigrants in 1998 and turning them over to the U.S. Border Patrol, he said, after they destroyed his property, killed his calves and broke into his home.

His Cross Rail Ranch near Douglas, Ariz., is known by federal and county law enforcement authorities as "the avenue of choice" for immigrants seeking to enter the United States illegally.

Trial continues Monday in the federal lawsuit, which seeks $32 million in actual and punitive damages for civil rights violations, the infliction of emotional distress and other crimes. Also named are Mr. Barnett's wife, Barbara, his brother, Donald, and Larry Dever, sheriff in Cochise County, Ariz., where the Barnetts live. The civil trial is expected to continue until Friday.

(more)

Only in the USA where illegal immigrants have more rights than US citizens.

[Sinergy 3]

The way the court system works, the illegals will probably win.

[panamania79 2]

The way the court system works, the illegals will probably win.

You know it ! I've seen them pull similar schemes here !

[Ban Hammer 13,332]

I read the entire story and none of this makes sense. The rancher rounds up illegal aliens -- who are not only trespassing onto his land, but the entire country -- and turns them over to the Border Patrol and is now being sued for it by the illegals themselves?

This has to be one of the most fvcked up cases I've ever seen. As an American citizen, I'd be subject to trespassing laws if I went onto this man's property without permission. Yet it's okay for illegals? This country is really messed up.

i don't know what the law is for arizona, but in texas, if there is livestock on the land, the landowner can hold you at gunpoint for the law to arrive due to suspected livestock theft.

[Heracles 417]

So a farmer has to protect their property while the United States government does nothing. Never heard of that happening at Palm island.

When is this country going to grow some balls and get over pandering to a 3rd world country.

Edited February 10, 2009 by Aficionado

[peejay 327]

So a farmer has to protect their property while the United States government does nothing. Never heard of that happening at Palm island.

When is this country going to grow some balls and get over pandering to a 3rd world country.

When fools quit electing self serving Left wing fruitloops that sh*t all over themselves to pander to every fence hopper and innertube floater that will eventually get amnesty, US citizenship, and a Democratic voter registration card. It's all about party and winning elections. The American people can just suck lemons till they puke. It ain't about what is best for the American people or the country.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

So a farmer has to protect their property while the United States government does nothing. Never heard of that happening at Palm island.

When is this country going to grow some balls and get over pandering to a 3rd world country.

When fools quit electing self serving Left wing fruitloops that sh*t all over themselves to pander to every fence hopper and innertube floater that will eventually get amnesty, US citizenship, and a Democratic voter registration card. It's all about party and winning elections. The American people can just suck lemons till they puke. It ain't about what is best for the American people or the country.

Come on, tell us what you really think!