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# Illegals are just that — illegal
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/illegals-are-just-that-illegal-editor/
- Published: 2006-06-07T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T18:16:17.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Julia Reeves Santa Monica*

Reading the story in this weekend’s Santa Monica Daily Press entitled “Counterfeit ID sellers don’t plan to fold ‘em” (SMDP, June 3-4, pages 6-7) just made my blood boil. As a victim of identity theft, wherein a woman, who had obtained a counterfeit driver’s license with all of my information, except for the fact that my photo had been replaced by hers, committed identity theft against me, this story rings all too close to home for me. Not only did the perpetrator of the crime against me have my driver’s license number and information, she had all of my other personal information, including but not limited to my social security number.

I am aghast by “We are not trying to do anything bad,” said Sergio Guiterrez, 35, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who quietly says “... Immigrants just need to work.” This rationalization of illegal entry into the United States, further exasperated by the issuing of fake documents by illegal immigrants such as Sergio Guiterrez, who profits from the sale of them, falls on deaf ears. I am outraged by their hubris, arrogance, and knowingly and willingly committing these crimes.

“This is the government’s fault,” said Maria Zuniga, 55, an illegal immigrant from Honduras who sells and transports documents. “They won’t even give us a number to work or a driver’s license.” My question is, what is it that they, illegal immigrants, don’t understand about the word “illegal,” and the fact that they are committing crimes over and over again? I am tired of their worn out excuses and apologetics.

“Sellers said they’ll never be stopped because their product will always be in demand,” the article states. I wonder how much longer this is going to be allowed to continue?

As a victim of identity theft, I have no empathy, but continue to suffer from the trauma of the crimes committed against me two years ago.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 7, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060706.pdf?ref=smdp.com)