HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-14 - RESOLUTIONS - MEXICO EXTRADITION POLICY (2)RESOLUTION NO. 03-7
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING UPON THE
PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO USE ALL DIPLOMATIC MEANS AVAILABLE TO
PERSUADE MEXICO TO REVERSE ITS CURRENT EXTRADITION POLICY
TOWARD THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES THAT MAY CARRY A
LIFE IN PRISON OR DEATH SENTENCE PENALTY IN THE UNITED STATES
WHEREAS, the Preamble to the United States Constitution lists providing for the
"common defense" as one reason for forming our national government; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution prohibits states and local governments from entering
into treaties with foreign governments to protect their citizens and arrange extradition for
criminals; and
WHEREAS, the "Extradition Treaty" (1980) allows Mexico to refuse to extradite a
fugitive if the United States courts charge the suspect with a capital offense, and now the
Mexican Supreme Court ruled on October 2, 2001, that Mexico will not extradite criminals
who face a life sentence in the United States; and
WHEREAS, this restriction provides a safe haven for those who commit the most
serious crimes, including murder and terrorist acts; and
WHEREAS, any surviving conspirator, determined to be a citizen of Mexico who
participated in the September 11th attack on America would enjoy the protection provided
by the Mexican courts; and
WHEREAS, officials estimate that more than 60 suspected killers from Los
Angeles County alone are in Mexico, along with countless more individuals who are
suspected of rape, child molestation, attempted murder, and other serious, violent crimes;
and
WHEREAS, the person responsible for the April 29, 2002, murder of Los Angeles
County Sheriff Deputy and resident of the City of Santa Clarita, David March, is believed
to have fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution; and
WHEREAS, the existence of a Mexican safe haven for these most heinous criminals
presents an enormous challenge for border states seeking to defend their citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Attorney General from each of the 50 states has asked United
States Attorney General John Ashcroft and United States Secretary of State Colin Powell
--to address this extradition issue with their counterparts in Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the resolution of this issue is critical to defending our nation from
enemies both foreign and domestic.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Clarita, City Council does resolve to call
upon President George W. Bush, and Members of the United States Senate and the House
of Representatives to use all diplomatic means at their disposal to insist that the
"Extradition Treaty" (1980) be renegotiated to resolve the critical issue of the extradition of
those suspected of committing serious and violent crimes against people in the United
States; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Clarita, City Council does resolve to call
upon President George W. Bush, and Members of the United States Senate and the House
of Representatives to use all diplomatic means to communicate to Vicente Fox, President of
the Republic of Mexico, the strong desire of the people of the United States of America to
have the person believed responsible for the death of Deputy David March, immediately
extradited to the United States for trial.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of January, 2003.
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ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting, thereof, held on the 14th day of January, 2003 by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: McLean, Kellar, Weste, Ferry, Smyth
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
LWWA0110844.
Ms/ccagenda/jan 14 2003/reso mexico extradition policy.doc