Saturday, June 21, 2008

Campo Minutewoman Assaulted In Front of TV Cameras

Anchorman Juan Rocha of Azteca TV, Mexico City, contacted Raymond Herrera in order to film Minutemen in action. On June 11, 2008, Azteca TV filmed Minutemen at the Rancho Cucamonga Day Laborer Site and other areas, such as the border and congress members' offices.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
CIMG2524.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Azteca TV Mexico City Reporter Juan Rocha interviewed day laborer "English teacher" above. The reporter and camera man were startled as well as shocked at the behavior of their fellow countrymen - day laborers - in Rancho Cucamonga.
The reporter said day laborer sites are not allowed in Mexico. He said, "They know better. They wouldn't do this in Mexico."
CIMG2523.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Day laborer above chastised Minutemen in a loud diatribe - in a vile and contentious manner. Minutemen stood their ground, holding American flags.
CIMG2531.jpg picture by rhvidston1
The above day laborer supporter - eyes red from alcohol - was caustic in an interview with the TV reporter. He even said, "We're going to kick your ass" to Raymond Herrera, on camera, above photo.
We had filmed at the day laborer site for approximately 30 minutes.
ASSAULT
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The man at right in the photo above, drove past the Minutemen - stopped in the intersection, and said, "I'll be right there. Don't go away." A few minutes later he stormed toward the Minutemen - yelling.
As he approached, Herrera dialed 911.
Robin Hvidston was holding a professional sign that read SUPPORT AMERICAN WORKERS, as the TV camerman wanted to film sign holding.
The yelling man lunged at Hvidston - injuring her right hand - as he stole the professionally made sign from her hand, as well as flyers. The assailant attempted to rip the vinyl sign in half. When he could not, he mangled the sign.
CIMG2540.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Above, the assailant holds the stolen sign - the theft was captured by the Azteca TV film crew - to be shown on TV in Mexico.
Herrera trailed the assailant - who lived in nearby apartments, a supporter of the day laborers - as Herrera spoke to the 911 operator - describing the assailant's appearance, weight, clothing, features, etc.
CIMG2543.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Mangled sign in the man's right hand. He continually yelled we were {bothering his friends, the day laborers." He railed against the Minutemen, yelling, things like, "Leave the day laborers alone."
CIMG2547.jpg picture by rhvidston1
He put the mangled sign in a trash can as Herrera, in constant contact with the 911 operator - stayed on the telephone until officers arrive.
OFFICERS ARRIVE
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Upland officers arrived and separated the parties - taking control of the scene. All the while, Azteca TV anchor Juan Rocha continued filming.
CIMG2556.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Opposition leader, female above, arrives and chastises police
Upland Police Officers upon assessment determined the jurisdiction was that of Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff's Department as the incident occurred in Rancho Cucamonga. Three Upland Police Officers detained the assailant and waited for Rancho Cucamonga Sheriffs to arrive - approximately 15 minutes.
During that time, the day laborers were joined by several activists and opposition leaders, summoned via a telephone network - the arriving leaders, whipped the day laborers up into a frenzy against law enforcement.
ARREST!
CIMG2555.jpg picture by rhvidston1
Upon arrival, the Rancho Cucamonga Sherrif Deputy met with the Upland Police and then interviewed the individuals involved and arrested the assailant.
CIMG2554-1.jpg picture by rhvidston1CIMG2554-1-1.jpg picture by rhvidston1
As the deputy sheriff arrested the assailant, the activists were yelling.
CIMG2554-2.jpg picture by rhvidston1
The woman at right, an activist, was yelling, "THE MINUTEMEN ARE RACIST!" As the officer arrested the assailant, the activist exploded with rage, attempting to prevent the arrest.
She was being interviewed by Azteca TV Anchor Rocha. Upon completion of the interview, the Minutemen left with the TV crew for the next venue.
Hvidston was examined in the emergency room. She had a injured wrist and thumb with swelling. The emergency room physician put splint on the severely sprained site and prescribed pain medication.

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