Letter to the Editor: Reconsider Supporting Taco Cid

To whom it may concern,

I write this letter not in anger but in disbelief, in disbelief that hundreds of Americans have supported Taco Cid’s “How to Catch an Illegal Immigrant” t-shirts.

According to Taco Cid, the purpose their shirt is to express their views on illegal immigration. However, their shirts have served more than one purpose. Taco Cid’s shirts have offended thousands of individuals of Mexican descent - individuals who pay taxes, individuals who were born and raised in the United States, individuals who cherish their culture and background just as much as any other American.

According to Taco Cid’s owner, the shirt’s purpose is to express her anti-illegal immigration views with humor. The shirt’s humor is only amusing to those who are not affected by the real issue behind the shirt. The real issue surrounding the shirt is not illegal immigration, it's racism. Although Taco Cid’s owner's intent was not to insult anyone, the shirts have become slanderous to thousands of people, not only undocumented immigrants but American citizens as well.

I would like to kindly ask you to reconsider your support for Taco Cid. Illegal immigration is not a matter of race; it’s a matter of politics. If your ultimate goal is to make the United States a better place, then, I would suggest you start by encouraging politicians to find an appropriate solution for illegal immigration. Supporting radical views such as Taco Cid’s will only create racial tension. Regardless of my views on the issue, I pray that you will do the right thing. I thank you for taking your precious time to read my views on the issue.

Yours Truly,

Eric Reyes

Aiken, S.C.