This is in response to an article that appeared in the Aug. 28 edition, headlined “Erratic driving led to Skowhegan traffic stop, detaining of 14 Romanians.” Were laws broken? Yes, traffic laws, safety laws, but rather than given citations, they were arrested.

Local police watched as they loaded their groceries, then proceeded to follow them on Madison Avenue. Approximately 10 people from the van — which included six small children, and one young woman following in another vehicle — were arrested as well as three people from a motel waiting for the groceries. Other than the driving, lack of proper seats for children, no registration or insurance, they posed no threat.

Local town police and state police are collaborating with ICE and CBP in various parts of the state. This is totally unacceptable and I am completely in favor of ending this disgusting practice, which only assists in creating harm.

They are not hardened criminals. Where are they now? Where are the children? Why can’t authorities assist people in finding their way? There are several organizations ready and willing. Would that be too much work? Is it less work to arrest rather than assist? Can these officers sleep at night?

There are frightened children out there somewhere and adults who want better. The compassion and heart that was at one time more prevalent in this state and in this country has fallen to the wayside and human beings are suffering because of it.

Maureen Delahanty
Canaan