San Juan County Council Chair Rick Hughes, from Orcas/Waldron District #2, sent the following letter to Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Rick Larsen and Senator Maria Cantwell on March 31, 2014, regarding the proposed deportation of Benjamin Nuñez:
It has come to my attention that Orcas Island resident, Ben Nuñez, is facing deportation in a short time. I have known Mr. Nuñez for almost nine years and feel that his presence in our small community has been beneficial to all who have had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Nuñez operates West Sound Lumber Company, a small, sustainable milling and lumber operation, which has served Orcas Island with hand crafted lumber and wood products for over 60 years. The current owners, Jack and Jan Helsell, have spent over a year and a half searching for a replacement for Mr. Nuñez and have not found anyone that has his skills, knowledge and experience. With the owner over 90 years old, it will be next to impossible to continue operations at the mill without Mr. Nuñez’s assistance.
As a supporter of small business, I appreciate the importance of a local mill when the leading economic driver for a community is construction. San Juan County is working to grow our independent lumber business and supports use of local natural resources when possible.
Beyond Mr. Nuñez’s position at the mill, he is a model resident who works hard to help those who need assistance. Mr. Nuñez exemplifies the model citizen that I would like to see on Orcas Island.
Many people have spoken on his behalf and I would like to add my support. Please let me know what actions can be taken to prevent or postpone the deportation of Mr. Nuñez and thank you for your time and consideration.
Signed letters on behalf of Mr. Nunez will be delivered to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office next Tuesday, April 15. Those letters may be sent to ICE at :
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
12500 Tukwila International Blvd
Tukwila, WA 98168
and signed copies can be mailed to the attorneys representing him (to verify letters to ICE):
Brian H. Tang
Gibbs Houston Pauw
1000 Second Ave., Suite 1600
Seattle, WA 98104
Great update, Orcas Issues. Thanks for keeping people up to speed on Nuñez’s situation.
and good for Rick Hughes!
Thank you Rick!
Many, many thanks, Rick, and Orcas Issues!
Rick, not easy to set a precedence, but I agree, we must pick our battles and this is ridiculous, homeland security is running amiss on its intent. Are we on task with security or are we following a blind protocol? I wonder how many other GOOD people we are discriminating against in the name of democracy.
I am coming in late to the comments but want to remind all that Orcas Issues has the email addresses on the left column. You just have to click and an addressed email comes up for you to urge in your words that we want Nunez to stay. However you phrase it.
Hello all, thanks so much for your interest and support. Please note that correspondence on this matter should go to ICE and to the attorneys, rather than to our STATE legislators. Signed letters on behalf of Mr. Nunez will be delivered to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office next Wednesday, April 16. Those letters may be sent to ICE at :
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
12500 Tukwila International Blvd
Tukwila, WA 98168
and signed copies should be mailed to the attorneys representing him (to verify letters to ICE):
Brian H. Tang
Gibbs Houston Pauw
1000 Second Ave., Suite 1600
Seattle, WA 98104
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Benjamin Nunez is part of our community family, and has been for 15 years. To lose him is to lose a part of our heart, our family.
I keep thinking of those brave enough during WWII who hid Jews, or Allied soldiers, risking their lives. Also, I seem to remember that there was at least one small town in the Pacific Northwest who refused to let the powers-that-be inter their Japanese neighbors during WWII. –We need to learn from history.
I am thinking that if the powers that be insist Nunez be deported, we (hopefully hundreds of us) surround him, with linked arms, or with actual chains if necessary, and let them (ICE) know that if they take him, they will have to take us as well. Let’s figure further strategy.
Thanks to Orcas Issues for keeping us updated on this so important issue. I keep wondering what happened to the 4 others (and their families) who were caught up in the ICE action at the Anacortes ferry landing the day they “caught” Benjamin.
Clyde and Laurel, thank you for your observations. “homeland security is running amiss on its intent” I’ll add ironically, “Who could have foreseen such an abuse?”
I do not know Mr. Nunez personally, but he has obviously made a significant impact on our island community. With so much good will, and the need for his professional talents, it saddens me that our laws can be so cold and cruel. We ought to be deporting the criminals, not the contributors. I do hope Mr. Nunez is afforded the opportunity to continue his life and work here on Orcas Island.