http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/2006 ... /112190081

Immigration activists gather in Longmont

Doyle Murphy, (Bio) dmurphy@greeleytribune.com
December 19, 2006

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LOVELAND -- Activists from across the region gathered Monday night in Longmont to respond to last week's immigration raids in Greeley.

On Dec. 12, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered six Swift & Co. meatpacking plants across the country and captured more than 1,200 workers who they suspected of living in the country illegally. About 260 Greeley workers were shackled, loaded onto buses and driven out of the plant.

On Monday night, a crowd of 75-100 people assembled at the office of El Comite de Longmont to protest the treatment of the workers. The group lit candles and marched down Main Street before rallying on the steps of the Longmont Safety and Justice Center.

"We are OK with laws being applied, but there has to be a more humane way," Latinos Unidos spokeswoman Sylvia Martinez said.

Humanity was on the lips and signs of many protesters. Many carried signs that read, "No human is illegal." Others spoke of a basic human right of people to try to improve their life and that of their family, regardless of borders.

"We need to follow the rule of the world and the rule of the human to live where we want to live," said Lola Mejias-Andrade, president of the board for El Comite.

According to its Web site, El Comite is a negotiating body for the Latino community in Boulder County and serves "persons born in the United States and immigrant and refugee populations from all Latin countries." Mejias-Andrade said El Comite also reaches out to populations in Weld County and had received calls from families after the raids on Swift. The organization has worked to connect detainees with a group of private lawyers who have taken up the cause.

Members of El Comite were joined by organizations from across northern Colorado and the state. Julien Ross, statewide coordinator of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, climbed the steps to speak to the crowd. The coalition works with state organizations to fight for immigrant rights on the state and national level.

"Se puede, o no se puede?" he yelled.

"Sí, se puede!" the crowd responded.

Can it be done, or can't it be done?

It can be done.

Later, as the crowd dispersed, Ross said he thought the raids would make a difference in the immigration debate.

"This shows the human side of a broken immigration system," he said.

Families affected by raids

» People who wish to support the Swift workers and families who have been separated and left without income can make a donation payable to "Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church" with "fund for families affected by ICE" in the memo-line. Those donations may be mailed to Our Lady of Peace, Attention: Rev. Bernard Schmitz; 1311 3rd St. Greeley, CO 80631. The church's telephone number is (970) 353-1747. Contributions will go towards emergency rent and food.

» People also may contact El Comite de Longmont at (303) 651-6125.