Coalition Brings Second Major Slavery Ring to Justice

Naples Daily News Editorial

Wednesday, May 5, 1999

Slavery: A zero-tolerance crime

Most American citizens would agree that slavery is a horrible, almost unspeakable atrocity - one that was believed quelled in this country some time ago.

Citizens therefore applaud authorities' efforts to crack down on a diabolical human pipeline from Mexico to Florida that jacked up smuggling fees from $700 to almost $6,000 - a daunting mountain of debt - once 27 workers got to Immokalee.

Three Southwest Florida men - one from Immokalee and two from Bonita Springs - stand accused of serious crimes including extortion and involuntary servitude, and another arrest is expected.

Thank goodness, again, for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, where some of the workers took refuge after escaping last month. Coaltion leaders acting on tips from other migrants helped crack a slavery pipeline elsewhere a few years ago.

Thank goodness for U.S. Border Patrol officers such as Dan Goeghean of Miami, who said after inspecting the ex-slaves' slum housing: "It doesn't surprise, but if it doesn't shock, then shame on us."

There is doubt, though, that courts get the zero-tolerance message yet.

A federal magistrate in Fort Myers on Monday granted $100,000 bonds - backed by kin's trailers and cars - for the three suspects, who were represented by some of the most talented and prestigious defense lawyers in Southwest Florida.

It required U.S. prosecutors' protests to put those freedom plans on hold.

While these and all suspects are entitled to a vigorous defense, it is important to remember these are not run-of-the-mill charges.

Twenty-seven people's freedom had been taken away by others.

Slavery has no place in today's America.

Immokalee growers who say they unwittingly employed the slaves and now ask Washington for money for housing relief for valued field hands, ought to be out front beating the drums for justice for all.