'Wake up Feds!' Outrage as two illegal Honduran migrants shoot down bald eagle with intention of eating it
NORFOLK, NEBRASKA: Two Honduran nationals were arrested in Nebraska on Tuesday, March 7, for killing and possessing a North American bald eagle. The two were identified as Ramio Hernandez-Tziquin and Domingo Zetino-Hernandez, both 20-year-old Honduran nationals living in Norfolk, the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
The Honduran duo indicated to authorities that they “planned on cooking and eating the bird," as per New York Post. Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger told that the pair are believed to be here illegally. “We do believe they’re here illegally after conferring with the United States Immigration,” he said as per the press release. The migrants were arrested but have since been released after being cited for unlawful possession of the eagle, a misdemeanor. While the duo could have been jailed, Sheriff Unger’s calls to the US Fish and Wildlife Services have gone unanswered. This is the federal agency that should be concerned in case anyone violates the 1940 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
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Police officers received a complaint of a suspicious vehicle and responded to the scene at around 4 pm near the main Wood Duck Recreation area, located about three miles southwest of Stanton. The authorities found the car on a field in the 629-acre wetland and when they stopped the men they determined they had a dead North American Bald Eagle in their possession.
“Further investigation revealed that the two had shot and killed the protected national bird in that area and stated they planned on cooking and eating the bird,” the release stated. Unger said they also cut off the bird’s feet, intending to “make the talons into ornaments.” Nebraska Game and Parks was contacted and took custody of the eagle and the rifle used to kill the bird.
Both Hernandez-Tziquin and Zetino-Hernandez were cited for unlawful possession of the eagle. The former was also cited for not having a driver’s license. The men, who were cited and released, are due in court in April and might face more severe penalties. The suspects cannot be detained in jail prior to their court appearance, per Nebraska law.
What is the significance of the bald eagle in the USA?
The bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States for about 235 years. It was put on the Great Seal of the United States on June 20, 1782, after much discussion by members of the government. In 1789, about seven years after it was put on the Great Seal, the bald eagle was officially adopted as an emblem or a symbol of the United States.
There are many reasons why the founding fathers of the country chose the bald eagle as the symbol of the country. The beautiful, "king-like bird" has been described as majestic and is free to soar through the skies, which was a great symbol for the US as a new country that had just fought for its freedom from England. The bald eagle is also found in North America, which is where the US is located.
'The symbol of the American spirit being cooked'
Twitter users were also infuriated to hear the news. One user tweeted, "That's still a crime. A crime committed by people who had no right to be here." Another posted, "This makes me so angry. Our bald eagles are precious and deserve reverence. They have a profound impact on our ecosystem. This is not acceptable." One tweeted, "They should have been put in jail and deported after their sentences were over" while another said, "That is absolutely shameful for them not to be charged. Our government has gone to crap." "And if a US citizen were to accidentally hit one with their car and kill it, they would surely be charged with a felony," wrote one user. One user said, "The symbol of the American spirit being cooked." An angry user wrote, "Wake up Feds."
That's still a crime. A crime committed by people who had no right to be here.
— Ben Inabinet (@ben_inabinet60) March 7, 2023
This makes me so angry. 🦅 Our bald eagles are precious and deserve reverence. They have a profound impact on our ecosystem. This is not acceptable.
— Goldee (@goldee_girl) March 6, 2023
They should have been put in jail and deported after their sentences were over
— j (@jayce189) March 7, 2023
That is absolutely shameful for them not to be charged. Our government has gone to crap.
— notonmywatch (@notonmy68760769) March 6, 2023
And if a US citizen were to accidentally hit one with their car and kill it, they would surely be charged with a felony.
— David Monk (@Knomdivad) March 6, 2023
The symbol of the American spirit being cooked. https://t.co/M7qxT0MwJ7
— Barely Hanging On (@wander_on_line) March 7, 2023
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.