ABC’s newest hit show, Homeland Security USA, is causing a stir in Orange County, California.
Orange County residents on both sides of the illegal immigration debate will square off in front of ABC Disney studios in Burbank on Sunday, one group in protest and another in support of the network’s television program “Homeland Security USA.”
The reality TV show has sparked a torrent of both disdain and cheers in immigration Web chat rooms and the blogosphere, setting off petitions and e-mails in protest and support for the show, which first aired in January
On Sunday, a series of rallies are taking place. One held by The Southern California Immigration Coalition, a pro-immigration group, the other held by Save Our State, an anti-illegal immigration group.
The show gives a glimpse at the daily work life of federal workers, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who are responsible for protecting the nation’s ports. They are portrayed as heroes who encounter and turn away or apprehend a variety of suspected culprits — from a Swiss woman looking to belly dance in the U.S. to suspected drug smugglers.
ABC representatives would not comment for this story.
Critics of the show, however, have called the series government propaganda, saying that it only portrays one side of a complex and controversial issue, especially regarding illegal immigration.
The California Coalition for Immigration Rights is also supposed to participate in the rally supporting ABC and Homeland Security USA. While Save Our State seems to be engaging in legitimate activity, they have been accused of some racist ties. Meanwhile, the UC Berkeley students attend one of the most notoriously leftist-campuses in America. Perhaps a third group should show up–they could protest the protesters and call themselves “The Committee for Indifference” and chant “It’s just a TV show, It’s just a TV show”
A van passing through Border Patrol
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–Citizen Grey
