ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : A Proper Intervention

It has been nearly a month since the controversial immigration raid at the Orange Park Villa apartments, but tempers do not seem to be cooling. Recently, about 300 residents of the complex picketed Orange City Hall. The Orange County Human Relations Commission has made a welcome offer to bring together Orange police and Latino residents to talk. It should be accepted.

The Human Relations Commission is ideally situated to sponsor discussion aimed at calming the atmosphere. It’s one more reason, by the way, for the county to continue funding the commission, which was told recently not to expect county money after next year.

The Sept. 18 raid, conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, began on a section of Chapman Avenue where day laborers gather and quickly spilled over to the 260-unit complex on Maple Avenue. Orange police assisted, and city building inspectors were on hand.

Some residents have accused authorities of using “storm-trooper” tactics at the apartment building during the raid. There were allegations that doors and a window were kicked in and that some apartments were entered illegally.

The Border Patrol exonerated its agents, but that has not put an end to questions. A review by a neutral agency--perhaps the district attorney’s office--might help to clear the air. But to improve communication between the city of Orange and residents, some forum is needed, one that will address lingering public concern.

Some city residents, for example, are concerned that Orange Park Villa is overcrowded, while many apartment residents believe that the raid indicated a willingness on the part of authorities to illegally violate the privacy of their homes. The Human Relations Commission can provide the right setting to sort things out.