http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1316971&secid=1

May 01, 2006

Locals join immigration protest in Memorial Park


By PERRY SWANSON THE GAZETTE

Hundreds of advocates for illegal immigrants gathered in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs today to take part in a protest similar to others across the country.

Most participants wore white T-shirts, expressing what organizers said was hope for peaceful change.

The crowd chanted: “No somos criminales,” as the demonstration began, which is Spanish for “We are not criminals.”

Organizers had predicted 2,000-4,000 demonstrators would take part in the event scheduled to last until 2 p.m. Shortly after 11:30 a.m. at least 1,500 people had arrived.

At least two counter-demonstrators were there, too, including one holding

a sign that said “Only legal Americans have American rights.”

An unidentified organizer asked the crowd to respect contrary messages.

“They can express themselves as they want to, of course,” he said. “We respect their rights and also we hope they respect ours.”

Many of the loosely organized protests nationwide took the title “A Day Without An Immigrant,” signaling the encouragement from some activist groups for supporters to stay home from work and school today. Organizers of the Colorado Springs event, affiliated with the group American Dream, said they did not encourage a school or work boycott.

Antonio Perea attended with his wife, Madel, and their daughter, 4-year-old Bety. Madel Perea said she and her husband immigrated from the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua five years ago. She spoke mostly in Spanish, but said in English that the family attended today to speak out for “a better life.”

Antonio would normally work a construction job today, she said, but his boss gave permission to be absent so the family could attend the rally.