Hispanic federal agents' claims finally find an ear in Congress

Gonzalez, an associate special agent in charge at the Houston ICE office, wrote recently to his senator and congressman seeking their help in addressing the discrimination problem within ICE and DHS in general. A group of Hispanic federal agents and their attorney, Ron Schmidt, contend the dysfunction and atmosphere of retaliation that is fostered by the discrimination pose a real threat to national security.

To date, Gonzalez’ senator, Republican John Cornyn, has opted to sit on the sidelines on the issue. Despite the national security concerns raised by the alleged pattern of discrimination, Cornyn says he has chosen to "refrain from intervening” due to Senate ethics rules that caution against getting involved in matters that are pending in the courts. Gonzalez is part of a group of Hispanic agents who have brought a class-action discrimination lawsuit against DHS.

In an ironic twist, Cornyn referred Gonzalez’ complaint to the agent’s superiors at DHS -- the same group Gonzalez is accusing of allowing the discrimination to fester. Timothy Haugh, the acting director for DHS’ Office of Congressional Affairs, replied to Cornyn by asserting that Gonzalez’ charges are without merit.

However, Gonzalez’ congressman, Nick Lampson, D-Texas, apparently operates under a different set of congressional ethics. Lampson recently sent the following missive to the agent (after Narco News called the congressman’s office seeking an explanation for its delay in responding to two e-mail letters sent by Gonzalez):

Dear Mr. Gonzalez:

Thank you for contacting me about the issue of discrimination against Hispanic Americans involved in the law enforcement community. As you have so eloquently stated, Hispanic Americans, like all Americans, have indeed proven their conviction and sense of duty to our country.

I find that the sacrifices made by Hispanic American law enforcement officers continue to be marginalized by the discriminatory actions of those agencies designed to serve and protect.

In an effort to be of as much assistance as possible, I am taking the liberty of forwarding your letter to Chairman John N. Hostettler of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims in the House Committee of the Judiciary.

I have requested that his committee review your comments on the issue of discrimination against Hispanic Americans in law enforcement, and report back to me with their recommendations and findings.

I will be back in touch with you as soon as I have something to report.

Sincerely,

Nick Lampson
Member of Congress

Stay tuned….