Truck tragedy agitates immigration debate
7 killed, 18 injured as vehicle overturns
April 6, 1996
Web posted at: 11 p.m. ESTFrom Correspondent Jim Hill
TEMECULA, California (CNN) -- Seven suspected illegal immigrants were killed and 18 injured Saturday when the truck they were packed into spun out of control into a ditch as they were being followed by border patrols.
"It would appear the vehicle started gaining speed and at some point the driver lost control of his truck and it ended up overturning," said officer Ralph Martinez of the California Highway Patrol.
Emergency workers pulled victims from the twisted wreckage of the truck in what a veteran officer called the worst accident he has seen.
Authorities said the victims were illegal immigrants who had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border days before.
According to U.S. Border Patrol officials, the truck had been stolen and was on a winding road often used by smugglers to avoid an immigration checkpoint in nearby Temecula.
Agents said they followed the truck at about 50 miles per hour in what they emphasized was not a chase.
The tragedy here comes at a difficult time for the debate over illegal immigration. Less than a week ago, another pickup crowded with human cargo led authorities on a high-speed chase which started only about five miles from here.
The chase ended when two Riverside sheriff's deputies beat a pair of immigrants and were caught on videotape by a television news helicopter.
Demonstrations continued over the weekend as protesters demanded prosecution of the deputies.
"You can't beat people like a dog because they come here to work," said one protester.
Other protesters put the blame on illegal immigrants and smugglers, who they say are becoming more violent and desperate in their tactics.
"This looks like people are resisting arrest," a protester said.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said whatever the cause, the Border Patrol needs better training.
"Clearly the Border Patrol has an assignment where their officers are likely to encounter overloaded, dangerous vehicles filled with people who are quite desperate," said Allan Parachini of the ACLU.
Authorities were still investigating the circumstances of Saturday's accident. But for protesters on both sides of the issues, the skid marks that ended so many lives only continue the controversy over illegal immigration.
Related stories:
- Woman beaten by deputies released from custody
- Deputies suspended after caught beating suspected illegal immigrants
- House overwhelmingly passes immigration bill
- What's America got that keeps immigrants coming?
- U.S. Border Patrol under the gun to stop illegal immigrants
- The long road to the American dream
- Coming to America: Melting pot starts to boil
- Immigration reform bill faces opposition
- Open arms, outstretched hands
- Rush is on for U.S. citizenship
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