Published: May 18, 2010
Updated: 8:34 a.m.

O.C. activists to travel to pro-Arizona law rally

BY CINDY CARCAMO
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A local contingent of anti-illegal immigration activists plan to travel to Arizona for a rally expected to lure thousands in support of the state's newest illegal immigration law – the toughest and most controversial in the nation.

Barbara Coe, who leads the Huntington Beach anti-illegal immigration group California Coalition for Immigration Reform, is in the midst of forming a contingent of activists to go to the June 5 rally in Phoenix.

Thousands of anti-illegal immigration supporters are expected to show at a June 5 rally in Pheonix, Arizona.
COURTESY WWW.PHOENIXRALLY.COM

"I think it's going to be a major attraction for people from throughout the nation to go and support Arizona and their courageous effort," Coe said.

The rally is part of a call by anti-illegal immigration activists who are also urging supporters to "buycott" Arizona by buying items made in the state or planning a vacation there.

The call is in reaction to mounting criticism, lawsuits and boycotts directed toward Arizona after it adopted a law that cracks down on illegal immigration. The law requires law enforcement officials who have already stopped someone on suspicion of a violation to question that person about his or her immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" the person may be in the country illegally.

The law is expected to go into effect in July but may be delayed by pending court challenges.

The law has led to allegations that it would lead to racial profiling against Latinos and destroy the trust law enforcement has worked years in trying to foster with the Latino community in that region.

Anti-illegal immigration activists are calling for people to support Arizona's crackdown, stating that it is the only way the state can defend itself after becoming the nation's busiest corridor for illegal immigration and smuggling.

Coe said while the law takes place in another state, it's relevant to Orange County.

"I think it does have everything to do with not only Orange County but California and nationwide," Coe said. "These people have taken a courageous stand. We are just absolutely thrilled and we're going to make the trip to support them as best as we can."

Click here to read about a poll on support for the law.

Click here to read about an effort to make Costa Mesa a rule of law city.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7924 or ccarcamo@ocregister.com

http://www.ocregister.com/news/law-2492 ... legal.html