US

McCain Blames Some of Arizona’s Massive Wildfires on Illegal Aliens

Arizona Sen. John McCain said this weekend that there is “substantial evidence” showing illegal aliens have caused some of the massive Arizona wildfires that have destroyed a combined 732,427 acres.

“We are concerned about, particularly, areas down on the border where there is substantial evidence that some of these fires have been caused by people who have crossed our border illegally,” McCain said at a Saturday press conference. “The answer to that part of the problem is to get a secure border.”

“They have set fires because they signal others, they have set fires to keep warm, and they have set fires in order to divert law enforcement agents and agencies from them,” he added:

McCain, however, did not cite specific evidence proving his claim, according to CNN. That has led to criticism from Latino groups.

“It’s easier to fan the flames of intolerance, especially in Arizona,” Randy Parraz, a civil rights advocate who ran against McCain in 2010, told CNN.

“The degree of irresponsible political pandering by Sen. McCain has no limits,” Angelo Falcon, the president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, added. “With the lack of evidence, he might as well also blame aliens from outer space for the fires.”

McCain’s claims are also being disputed by the U.S. Forest Service. A spokesman told ABC News on Sunday that the Wallow fire that McCain toured Saturday was, in fact, started by humans. But he said there is no evidence to suggest it was illegal aliens.

“Absolutely not, at this level,“ Tom Berglund said when asked if there was ”substantial evidence” as McCain said. “There‘s no evidence that I’m aware, no evidence that’s been public, indicating such a thing.”

(H/T: HuffPo)

Comments (141)

  • Rick300
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:29am

    **“It’s easier to fan the flames of intolerance, especially in Arizona,” Randy Parraz, a civil rights advocate who ran against McCain in 2010, told CNN.**

    Yes, Mr. Parraz, I am intolerant of people breaking the law and coming into MY country illegally! There should be intolerance with people who don’t know the meaning of illegal! My ancestors did not sneak across the boarder like a thief in the night to steal a piece of the American Dream…they came to America and became naturalized citizens of the greatest country the world has ever seen.

    Yes, Mr. Parraz, I will “fan the flames of intolerance” as long as people like yourself fuel the fire by your “intolerance” of the laws of these United States of America! “We the People” will not tolerate your misinterpretation of our lawful act of preserving our sovereignty!

    Just in case you don’t know what sovereignty means, Mr. Parraz:

    sov•er•eign•ty/ˈsäv(ə)rəntē/Noun
    1. Supremacy of authority or rule as exercised by a sovereign or sovereign state.
    2. Royal rank, authority, or power.
    3. Complete independence and self-government.
    4. A territory existing as an independent state.

    And, if you have forgotten what illegal means…

    il•le•gal/ih-lee-guh l/–adjective
    1. forbidden by law or statute.
    2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc

    Report Post » Rick300  
  • ares338
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:19am

    Illegals are setting the fires of discontent which can be far worse.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:23am

      Yeah they moved on to AZ to start the fire after they got bored making tornadoes in the other states.

      They also started the fires in TX, caused the tsunami in Japan and of course we can’t forget about all the Americans left helpless after the illegals started Hurricane Katrina

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • greenherring
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:28pm

      Do you have proof of these acts akmiikeus?
      Yeah, I didn’t think so.
      Racist

      Report Post » greenherring  
  • Progressive Wrecking Crew
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:17am

    I wrote on this very board they were responsible and also tweeted the same on my twitter at Chicagoray44 the days they happened and we all know they’re responsible. This Mexico is not our friend and we need to threaten them with military action, they‘re at war with us and I’m sick of our government kissing their azzes.

    Deport every La Raza member for starters and go from there.

    We don’t need their migrants anymore. teens are at 24-40 % unemployment and these are jobs even American adults will gladly do. I don’t care what anyone says, they’ve been using that excuse for 40 years now. Bomb their azzzes. I’m sick of em all.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • rayblue
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:14am

    Yes, we should secure the borders. We should also discuss border security every morning over a cup of coffee and a donut. And wait till someone decides to talk about border security and have lunch.
    Then when suppertime comes, talk about border security over desert. And at night, dream about BORDER SECURITY.
    I’m sick of hearing about “war hero”. I knew one too. At Iwo Jima. Everybody whose father fought in the big one has a hero who never made a living off the fact.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • suzy000
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:13am

    The same administration who refuses to secure our border thereby becoming a responsible party in these fires refuses to send Arizona aid to combat them. This is an atrocity and Arizonians as well as the rest of America should be highly upset over the federal government’s lack of help.

    Report Post »  
    • lynnissmart
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:51am

      You are right….this administration is not for the United States of America nor Arizona and Texas….This admiin. is a disgrace to all Americans…..suing Arizona….because Arizona doesn’t agree with King Tut!

      Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:09am

    One strong point I am looking for in a leader come 2012 is securing our border and someone who will start sending the illegals back to their home country. Let me say, that it will not be McCain. God help us.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
    • UlyssesP
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:39am

      He is why I sat out 2008.

      Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:47am

      Throw people in jail that hire or rent to illegals and they will buy their own ticket back
      End of story

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • Moment of Clarity
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:57am

    i guess we’ll have to secure the borders first to see …

    Report Post »  
  • EP46
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:52am

    Perhaps McCain should be investigating to see if the fires were started by members of the terrorists group that are sitting in the White House. Are there more ways that this administration can PUNISH Arizona ? Is Eric Holder not doing enough to cause financial harm to the state with his law suits? Hey, why blame ‘illegals’ when we have plenty of ‘legals’ who could be just as guilty??

    Report Post »  
  • dizzyinthedark
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:47am

    Yea sure John keep talking so you look like you are doing something good for the people–right? Not.

    You want to talk about something with substance, let’s have that conversation about your membership with the Coucil on Foreign Affairs and what you are doing about getting us out of the UN, Agenda 21, how about looking into ICLEI in your own district?

    I bet those conversations would be better ones don’t you? Because the ones about illegals isn’t working anymore and you know that. Try something else if you want to keep your job.

    Report Post » dizzyinthedark  
  • Amy
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:39am

    McCain should have waited at least a few more days after his tour before making his claims. Now it appears that he got his info from the forest service. No wonder they’re being defensive. So where did his info come from?

    Report Post » Amy  
  • let us prey
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:38am

    Good for you Mcsham, now go get a boat and finish out your days fishing. Old broken man.

    Report Post » let us prey  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:33am

      John is mad again, I guess the Congressio­nal cafeteria ran out of pudding.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
  • SICKANTIRED
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:34am

    These People need Term Limits period !!!!

    Report Post » SICKANTIRED  
  • Tickdog
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:33am

    Snipers on the fence!

    Report Post » Tickdog  
  • Crazy Times
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:32am

    … McCain, once again, attempting to “be the voice of true republicans”, because he is a “true” leader who knows what “true” converatives think…

    every time I hear McCain talk, I think “bull.FILL.IN.THE BLANK”

    He really should step aside and let Allen West or Chris Christie be the real voice. They are the true conversatives.

    Arizona.. Vote him out…

    Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:19am

      Hey Crazy, Wake up and smell the traditional cafeinated breakfast drink regarding Chris Christie. Once you get past his “fiscal conservatism” he wears a XXXXL Rino suit. F/I check out his stance on gun control and the ever popular “climate change”. He may be the best thing to happen to the people’s Republic of New Jersey in quite a while, but I hope he stays where he is. Ann Coulter is wrong on this one!!

      Report Post »  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:31am

      Wow — talk about scapegoati­ng.

      We have bad wildfires in Texas this year, and many of them are caused by human error. But we always take the trouble to identify the culprits and charge them before we make accusation­s.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:30am

    Not only the Mexicans and other South American illegals, but more so the terrorists who cross our borders daily, by land, air and sea.

    I believe than it is no longer people wanting to come here to live and to better themselves, but thousands of these illegals are being paid handsomely to flood our borders and our country and will be meeting up in prearranged places to continue such activity until there is a “battle cry” or signal to them when they rise up en masse to kill us all.

    Close our borders NOW. Profile like h*** at the airports and shipping lanes.

    dhs is trash and should be ignored by ALL AMERICANS. they, as you all already know, are a big part of the problem, not part of the solution for REAL AMERICANS.

    On our knees, y’all. The noose is tightening. They just can’t see that it is tightening around their necks as well.

    GOD WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!!!

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:40am

      Why was the word “noose” which rhymes with moose and goose and loose replaced with asterisks in my post above? Is there something wrong with “noose”?

      Cowboys and Indians? Part of our culture in history when we hung people for treason? Part of a sentencing carried out for nefarious deeds all around the world? What????? Are we pretending we didn’t hang people throughout history?????????????

      FYI, “noose” was used on purpose and NOT in a racist tone at all, folks. I mean it to signify that once upon a time, people were hung until they died…. Also, I used it “figuratively”. Maybe I should have said something p.c. like, “The sweet little darlins are painting themselves into a corner”???

      Hello, BLAZE?????? That wasn’t profane nor a provocative use of a word. Someone on your “team” needs a lesson in history, not in “assuming” implications. Gee whiz, if we can’t speak the truth, not in anger, just reciting facts, where are we going to post?

      I’d like an explanation from THE BLAZE as to WHY you censored an absolutely innocent word: “noose” which rhymes with goose, loose, moose, etc. Not good, guys.

      Report Post »  
  • kestrel27
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:30am

    True Mr. McCain, but you can’t say anything against those Oh so Precious illegal aliens. Why, don’t you know they are the backbone of the American economy? Just ask any sanctimonious Progressive. Same goes for blaming ******* for terrorist acts. It’s true that none have been caused by Christians or Jewish people, but by God, you can’t say so. Especially in the fantasy world the Puke Liberals live in.

    Report Post »  
  • chazman
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:24am

    Comon, John! What illegal aliens? What is that? And our border is not secure? Comon, man, yer gonna upset people with that kind of talk. Comon! Look, just go sit down and finish your Kool-Aid.

    Report Post »  
  • tranymike
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:21am

    they said last week it was started by a cars cat which is a epa mandate all cars have one but i guess ether way the left needs a a&& whopping from smokey the bear

    Report Post » tranymike  
  • liberalsarealiens
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:21am

    Not so far fetched! I can get my arms around that senario! I am not a fan of Mcain’s ( other than his war record) but he may have a point here!

    Report Post » liberalsarealiens  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:38am

      Racist gringo….why are you so filled with hate?
      PS: get off our land!

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • HairOfTheDogSob
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:50am

      If in fact 98% of brown skin voted obuma..can you see that 98% of brown skins are idiots and a definite hazard to the United States?…

      Report Post » HairOfTheDogSob  
  • Crazy Times
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:20am

    Now, McCain PROMISED on protecting the border if he got re-elected to his senate seat.

    So since he didn’t live up to his promise, doesn’t that mean that the wildfires are really his fault. ??

    Arizona, please wake up and vote this guy out NEXT TIME AROUND.. if not for your sake, for the sake of the rest of us who have to hear his bla bla bla…….

    Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:26am

      A GOP standard..­….when in doubt blame it on people with brown skin

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • IAMMADDOG
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:21am

      Says the smug jerk with a “brown skinned” man‘ X’ed out as his / her photo.

      Report Post »  
  • Professional Infidel
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:20am

    we owe them, why not punish us. ask any of them. go home putos.

    Report Post »  
  • wodiej
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:16am

    Ya think??

    Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:15am

    Wow. How did this get past the censors?

    People crossing the border illegally, smuggling humans, smuggling drugs? How dare you insinuate they would start massive fires??

    cough…cough…

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:22am

      Well you didn’t think he was going to blame it on Jan Brewer for cuts in the forestry service????

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:14am

    .
    He is one sharp tack………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Bowmaster
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:14am

    Can these Latino mouthpieces prove that they were not set by illegals?
    I didn’t think so.

    Report Post » Bowmaster  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:18am

      Singing a diff. tune from 2008, he’s right, but he’s also a phoney. McCain’s influnced by his daughter, the pole dancer.

      Report Post »  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:19am

      You had your chance to secure the Arizona border for 20 YEARS! Senator McCain. You failed!
      You Fail the people of Arizona, You Failed your country! Your “Service”, Senator McCain, to this country ended in ball of fire of the skies of Vietnam.

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:37am

      They probably have proof from air surveillance pictures and can’t admit it because it will pi$$ everyone off.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:50am

      Gee, ya think?
      Don’t worry though…DHS & border control will make sure they have plenty of marshmallows.

      Report Post »  
    • JayCee
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:51am

      Well DUH!!!!
      Aren’t you proud that you have been so weak on border security now Mr. McCain?

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:14am

      PROFESSIONAL INFIDEL, like come on, Meghan is an art history major who, like graduated from Columbia. You know, she’s educated at a prominant progressive university and, like is so articulate in progressive ideas. McCain should have fought to get those borders secured a long time ago but he was too busy fighting for the rights of prisoners not to give up their info by force. He apparently would prefer that our soldiers are harmed second guessing.

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:17am

      Thanks for the tip Johny come lately! Uh, maybe you could have begun doing something about YOUR problem, say, 20 years ago???

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:27am

      Well… Juan McAmnesty got one right! Wonders never cease.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Ronko
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:32am

      I think McCain has a few marbles shor in his head. I mean come on really, Illegal Aliens causing fires. Why would they want to cause fires that brings attention to them when they want to sneak to wherever they were suppose to go. Troll harder next time McCain.

      Report Post »  
    • John 3:16
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:46am

      How does this idiot Rino keep getting elected? This man needs to be aborted from the Senate soon. He is the reason Dumbo sits on his thrown in the white house. The republican party needs a major overhaul or needs to be replaced. TEA!

      Report Post » John 3:16  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:08am

      The last rumor I heard is that it was started by drug runners or a camp fire and that they already have the men in custody. Maybe they were illegal immigrants trafficking drugs and started the fire while camping???

      Did you see that McCain and Lindsay Graham were both attacking the GOP candidates, mentioning Romney in particular, that wanted to get the troops out of Afghanistan. ( http://tiny.cc/ifezt ) Funny, most are saying this in addition to, we need to win the war first and that the Afghanistanis need to win this (with the US help).

      Report Post »  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:18am

      Can you Bowmaster?

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:19am

      I didn’t think SO.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:19am

      Wow, McCain does not like illegal immigrants and wants to score a few cheap political points so he says illegals caused the Arizona wildfires.
      His rhetoric is very dangerous. I mean, people could then blame illegals or anyone brown to retaliate against for damage caused by the fires.
      They could do then Mexican-Am­ericans serious harm as they are now the scapegoats­. McCain, perhaps is reaching an age where he no longer recognizes the implicatio­ns of his words.
      Surely, it is very irresponsi­ble to blame illegals especially after the U.S. Forest Service spokesman said they had nothing to do with the fires.
      McCain is simply uses this devastatin­g incident to fan the fans of intoleranc­e.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:36am

      Maybe it will make it harder for illegals to hide, now.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:36am

      Will this guy please just go away already. Johnny “the maverick” needs to just sit down and shut up at this point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWDHs-GnHh8

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:38am

      No $#!T Sherlock!

      Where has mclame been on SEALING the borders?
      He should have been LEADING THE CHARGE for years!
      Instead, he is a RINO, measuring everything against polls and votes.

      vote.

      him.

      out.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:55am

      Illegals are often the cause of wildfires. Happens here in CA, too. Often times they start them as a diversion. Sometimes its accidental. But it DOES happen. Here’s just one article:

      http://www.willcoxrangenews.com/articles/2011/06/15/news/news02.txt

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • FORLORNHOPE
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:15am

      “no evidence that’s been public”
      no evidence that’s been public
      no evidence that’s been public

      There‘s no evidence that I’m aware, not to the best of my knowledge, I can not recall, because I am a bureaucrat told to lie.
      Thank you for understanding it’s for your own good. Tom Berglund
      Really Tom who talks like that?

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:16am

      The time has come that the American people have to take things into their own hands. Most of our politicians and the crimmigration activist groups are in bed together. There are many hateful dangerous groups that are setting up for the long term to take over our communities and run us off our own land through intimidation and force. Are laws aren’t being enforced any more so we must take the first steps to drive out these foreigners. Make things uncomfortable to live in your neigborhood, sabotage their cars, throw eggs at their houses, throw eggs at them when they walk down the streets. We have to start creating and unwelcome environment so that they will get the message and leave. I know it sounds bad but our laws are not being enforced and they are causing immense economic and criminal damage to our communities. Do you want your children to be the next ones that get raped by an illegal? Do you want to keep having more money taken out of your paycheck to pay for them and their anchor babies? Do you want to be the next one killed in a drunk driving accident from an illegal? If you don’t want to do it teach your kids and then tell them to teach the neighborhood kids to do so for fun and let them know it is to be patriotic and help enforce our laws.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • 101
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:21am

      McCain all talk no action, just another day keeping the masses happy with lip service!

      Report Post »  
    • Canada_Goose
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:31am

      Regardless of whether you believe Mr. McCain’s claim or not you can’t ever prove a negative premise. This goes against the fundamental rules of logic. .

      Report Post » Canada_Goose  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:31am

      McCain: Some of Arizona’s Massive Wildfires Caused by Illegal Aliens

      Sinista: False flag terror attacks are caused by our own corrupt government.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:39am

      So McAmnesty what have you been doing in Congress all these years?! Secure the ******* border already .. but NO AMNESTY!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • HairOfTheDogSob
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:44am

      McCain would give them amnesty ..go to h_ll McCain..you are the enemy!

      Report Post » HairOfTheDogSob  
    • tersky
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:18am

      “There‘s no evidence that I’m aware, no evidence that’s been public, indicating such a thing.”

      Duh! that’s quite an equivocation. Translation: ‘There is evidence, but it hasn’t been made public, so it doesn’t count.’

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:24am

      McCain = R I N O!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:36am

      I think the fires were started by hunters in the area, so hunting should be banned in Arizona.

      I have as much evidence to make this claim as Little Johnny does.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • I Always Say
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:47am

      McCain said “some” fires are started by illegals. True enough. The USFS said there is no evidence that “this” fire was started by illegals. True enough. They’re both weasels.

      I Always Say a politician and the USFS will say whatever serves their current purpose.

      Regards from inside the black…

      Report Post »  
    • iheartusa
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:48am

      Go to http://www.numbersusa.com and get involved in changing our immigration policies. Right now, the push is on to make E-Verify mandatory in all 50 states. The Legal Workforce Act. H.R.2164 was introduced on June 14th, 2011 by Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith of Texas. This is a VERY GOOD thing for our millions of unemployed American citizens who have had jobs stolen from them. E-verify is an effective employee screening system that has been in place since 1996, yet has only been voluntary. Please don’t fall for the ridiculous claim that the “illegals do the jobs Americans won’t do”! Only 4% of illegals work in the agriculture industry, the rest are stealing jobs from Americans in the construction, transportation and hospitality industries. This law would make E-Verify MANDATORY and PERMANENT in all 50 states! Get on board and contact your reps demanding that they support this bill! Ask them who they care more about, the unemployed American citizens, or the job stealing illegal aliens! Their answer will reveal alot!

      Report Post » iheartusa  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:21pm

      If you‘ve seen the photos of the mountains of trash they leave in their treks through AZ you wouldn’t be surprised if a match gets tossed into some dry mesquite now and then. EPA should be out there for a massive cleanup if they are really concerned about the environment.
      The illegals that are caught should be given the job before they’re sent home.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:36pm

      hard to believe. I mean, they’re all innocent, trod on, law-abiding, patriotic, and targeted for racisism individuals. I think someone must be pulling someone else’s leg. hard to believe.

      Report Post »  
    • 101
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 3:51pm

      Arizona is burning…what are you going to do McCain?…push blame, that’s nice. At the same border you have ignored over your past 50 years in office. Step down or step aside so somebody can lead!

      Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In