Immigration controversies.

Los Angeles -- With memories of the French riots still fresh in their minds, some Americans fear that the controversy over illegal immigrants may slide into the hands of radicals. Ernestos Cienfuegos is editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles-based Voz de Aztlan news service, which one critic describes as being dedicated to the belief that Colorado, California, Arizona, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, Oregon and parts of Washington belong to the "mythical" homeland of Aztlan. It is contended that these lands are the property of the Chicano and Mexican people.

"Today, here in Los Angeles, we are already seeing ominous signs of an impending social explosion that will make the French rebellion by Muslim and immigrant youths seem tame by comparison," Cienfuegos was quoted as saying. "All the ingredients are present.... In fact, we came close to having major riots on three separate occasions just this year (2005) alone."

A recent article on the Aztlan website declared "there is no doubt a massive civil disobedience movement will emerge.... The next and final steps would follow and that is to elect our own governors of all the states within Aztlan" (Aztlan.net, March 26, 2006).

Meanwhile, Catholic leaders are championing the rights and claims to justice of the immigrants. Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, for example, referred to illegal aliens as "immigrants" and said the Church will continue to serve them, even if it is illegal. He was attacked in turn by internet columnist Barbara Simpson, who said the Cardinal's sentiments enable "people to begin a new life on a lie .... The good Cardinal lives in a dreamworld" (WorldNetDaily.com, March 27, 2006).