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Arrests, confrontations at town hall rally
Large police presence tries to cool simmering tempers as opinions clash

DAILY RECORD STAFF REPORT
Saturday, July 28, 2007

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MORRISTOWN -- At least four people have been arrested at an anti-illegal immigration rally on the steps of town hall this afternoon, including two men who tried to disrupt speakers while waving a banner that read "No racist deportation."

And shortly before 1:30 p.m., Diana Mejia, head of the pro-immigrant support group Wind of the Spirit, was removed by police while carrying a banner that read "No Human Being is Illegal."

Earlier, two other women were seen being taken into custody. And members of the National Organization for Women, on hand to counter the rally's speakers, were removed by Morris County Sheriff's deputies as they shouted toward the microphone.

About 150 people have gathered on the front lawn of Morristown's town hall, and another 100 have gathered across South Street, closing the thoroughfare during some of the speeches.

Chants in support of both sides of the illegal immigration debate are rising from the gathering.

A significant police presence is on hand surrounding the area of Morristown's town hall, including police from department's across Morris County, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and a New Jersey State Police helicopter.

Mayor at the microphone

A full slate of speakers was planned for the ProAmerica.org rally -- including Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello, who spoke around 1:45 p.m.

Targeting the state government, Cresitello called on Gov. Jon Corzine and Attorney General Anne Milgram to drop their opposition to the mayor's plan to deputize town police officers to enforce federal immigration laws.

"How dare they question my right to move on this program," Cresitello shouted to loud applause.

He said New Jersey's leaders contribute indirectly to an "illegal underground economy" by refusing to help rid the state of illegal immigrants by targeting those who rent to them and those who employ them.

Cresitello told the crowd he supports a national ID card and national work permit program.

He then targeted those standing across South Street who chanted "Cresitello KKK" and "Shame on You" as he spoke, calling them Communists and Marxists.

"We know your motives and we won't let you take over our government," he said.

Other speakers

Earlier, Carmen Morales of the group You Don't Speak For Me lobbied for stronger U.S. border controls.

"If we had strong immigration laws and strong borders, 9/11 would not have happened," Morales said.

Another speaker, John Rucki of New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control, insisted his group supports legal immigration. But he had strong words for those who supported illegal immigrants.

"Those groups that are against us, I say your days are limited," Rucki said to a roar of applause. "English is our language -- speak it, write it, print it."

Prayer vigil

Across town, a much quieter prayer vigil in support of immigrants is taking place at St. Margaret's Church on Sussex Avenue.

Around 1:30 p.m., about 20 participants began marching across town to join counter-demonstrators at the town hall rally.

During the vigil, participants offered prayers and recited poetry while music from the 1960s peace movement play in the background.

Both rallies were expected to last until 2 p.m.

Some participants in the prayer vigil also plan to march across town to the anti-illegal immigration rally at town hall.

What they stand for

The town hall rally -- calling for the enforcement of immigration laws -- included representatives of at least four organizations. Early estimates called for more than 1,000 people to attend, according to organizers, while a smaller turnout was expected at the vigil.

"Over the past year, illegal aliens and their supporters have gathered in large numbers in communities all over America and made their unrightful demands. We've heard their voices. Now it's time they heard ours," town hall rally organizer Robb Pearson says on his Web site.

On the other side of town, the immigrant resource organization Wind of the Spirit hosted the prayer vigil to highlight the difficulties that immigrants face. Diana Mejia, its organizer, said she hoped attendees would get a positive message.

The vigil was cosponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Unitarian Fellowship and NJ Immigration Policy Network.

The debate in town heated up after Cresitello sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement division, hoping to get 10 local police officers deputized as immigration agents under the federal 287-G program. The officers would be given access to a database to inquire about the individuals' immigration status and to start deportation proceedings on illegal immigrants.