Rhode Island Store Owner Accused of “Hate Crime” after asking for ID from Hispanics
Posted on 14. Mar, 2008 by John Fife in Immigration, Top Stories
PROVIDENCE — A national Latino clergy leader yesterday called on the state to “investigate immediately” a storeowner’s demand to see the Social Security card of one or both of two Spanish-speaking customers, and his subsequent threat to call immigration authorities and make “a citizen’s arrest.”
The storeowner, David C. Richardson, said he did so out of his belief that “the majority of people — more than 51 percent” who do not speak English in Rhode Island “are here illegally,” and it is his right as an American citizen to take action if he believes someone is an illegal immigrant.
The March 1 encounter between Richardson, owner of Rhode Island Refrigeration, and state worker José A. Genao and his friend, was the subject of a story in yesterday’s Providence Journal and the paper’s Web site, projo.com.
Genao told The Journal that he and his friend — who declined comment — are natives of the Dominican Republic and U.S. citizens. Genao said that after he asked Richardson, in English, for a part at his plumbing supply store, he and his friend spoke Spanish to one another while Richardson was looking for the part.
Genao said Richardson then asked to see “a Social Security card,” lifted the phone receiver and said he could “call ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] at any time.” Richardson verified much of that account, but said he asked only Genao’s friend for a Social Security card, because he did not appear to be able to speak English.
In response, the Rev. Miguel Rivera, head of the National Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders and the Rev. Eliseo Nogueras, the group’s New England vice president and head of the Hispanic Pastors Association of Rhode Island, held a news conference yesterday outside Richardson’s store.
They asked that law enforcement authorities pursue possible criminal or civil charges against Richardson for committing “a hate crime” and violating the men’s civil rights.
Three dozen Latino evangelical pastors from Rhode Island and Massachusetts joined them, along with Ramon Martinez, president of the advocacy group Progreso Latino. Mr. Rivera, who flew in from Washington, D.C., for the conference, said his group represents more than 16,000 churches in 34 states.
Mr. Rivera and Mr. Nogueras called the incident “racial stereotyping,” a “hate crime” and “vigilantism.” In part, they blamed the failure of Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform for spurring incidents nationwide of citizens — including Richardson — who try to take immigration law into their own hands.
I have an idea. Ship the beaners back to where they belong. Also, a shop owner can refuse service to anyone for any reason ant anytime. Maybe WE as citizens SHOULD take immigration laws into to our hands. The only HATE I’m seeing here, is on the part of the spic’s. Mr. Richardson has done nothing wrong. Typical actions from the mud races. Trying to make something out of nothing. They should realize… they’ve never had it so good.
Let’s get one thing straight: if they’re here illegally they have no rights. Rights are given to citizens and no one else. So if they are citizens then they should just deal with it and move. Denmason is right, a store owner can refuse service to anyone he wants. Richardson has my full support.
14/88
The Liberal assholes just want to sue this poor guy, they don’t give a shit about the Beaners either!
This one has to be a joke. This mexican group must not have a lawyer on hand to help them understand American law. They just think it is a hate crime anytime a White American doesn’t kiss their ass. I don’t believe he ever said he would refuse them service if they weren’t citizens. He just asked if they would show their SS cards and made a statement that he could call ICE to report illegals (which is true).
This man is a hero. I would give him a medal and put him in charge of doing this at every retail establishment in Rhode Island.
Arrest those store-front “preachers” and ship them out. Anybody tries to interfere, they can go too. Apply MEXICO’S immigration laws HERE. Remember, Remember, the 5th of November.
If that stupid redneck came at me like that I would’ve punched him in the face. Stupid racist rednecks!!
Wait till we have our version of the French Revolution…