November 6, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jeff Schwilk
760-525-1655

MIGRANT SQUATTERS AND PROSTITUTION HAVE RETURNED TO MCGONIGLE CANYON!



SAN DIEGO, CA - SDMM with tips from local residents have discovered over the past few months that large numbers of migrant workers, mostly illegal immigrants, have returned to the shanty towns in McGonigle Canyon along with their outdoor brothels. These illegal encampments, that Mayor Sanders pledged to keep out of our canyons last January, are known havens for illegal open campfires, gas stoves, prostitution (including trafficked girls), public drunkenness, and large scale environmental destruction.



In August we documented and identified these migrant shacks to Captain Healy of the NW Division, SDPD. She told us they would have the camps removed in a timely manner. Not only were most of the camps not removed, but many more have been built and identified since August. Most of the shacks, including their nearby latrines, are near McGonigle Creek. Many of the migrants are employed illegally by the nearby tomato farm. Others work in landscaping and day labor nearby.



On Oct. 19th, two days before the devastating wildfires, we led Channel 10 on a tour of the camps and witnessed and filmed a large burning campfire near dry brush in the middle of the day, less than 100 yards away from dozens of nearby homes.



Last Saturday we led a tour of 30 concerned Americans and residents on a hike through the canyon and found many new shacks and an outdoor prostitution area next to McGonigle Creek near the 56 Freeway. SDPD was notified and this time they came down and photographed the area which contained about 25 condom wrappers and numerous used condoms. Here is video of the discovery: http://www.immigrationwatchdog.com/?p=5042



A grand jury complaint was submitted by John Monti against SDPD in March for allowing underage prostitution in McGonigle Canyon. The results of the at investigation are unknown, but obviously the prostitution has not been stopped.



SDMM, along with local radio hosts Roger Hedgecock and Rick Roberts have again called for Mayor Sanders and SDPD to clear these canyons immediately due to the extreme fire danger in the dry brush, and public health and safety issues. The constant delays and excuses are unacceptable to the nearby residents who have had to put up with the illegal activities of the unknown migrant workers living near their neighborhoods, and the broken promises of their elected officials and public servants.