Many. if not most. citizens now take precautions. such as Installing alarm systems and avoiding large areas of our community. I am especially dismayed by tile climate of fear that has developed in south Florida. The increase in violence which escalated after Miamis 1980 refugee influx has created a siege mentality. The result has been a severe change in the character of Miami. Needless to say. the economy suffers when businessmen and skilled laborers are afraid to move to Miami. or when tourists are afraid to vacation in Miami Beach due to our highcrime rate. Crime has always been primarily a matter of State and local jurisdiction. but the higher crime rate in Miami is the result of Federal immigration policy and the inability of Federal agencies to control illegal drug traffic in and through south Florida. The Federal Government. therefore. does have a special responsibility to our people. Every component of the criminal justice system must respond quickly to criminal activity if violent criminal behavior is to be combated effectively.
Identified stereotypes
Refugee influx caused increased violence and a 'siege mentality'.