Rally rocked by news
Supporters surprised to learn that the businessman had already been returned to Mexico.
By Trevor Jones, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Updated: 10/11/2009 09:12:10 AM EDT


Sunday, Oct. 11
GREAT BARRINGTON - Dozens of locals met Saturday to support a recently deported friend and to say his struggles highlight the need for changes in policies regarding the immigrant population.

Organizers planned the gathering at the Triplex Cinema as a way to rally support for keeping Albaro Francisco, a local business owner and
community activist, in the country. Francisco was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at the end of September and was charged with being in the country illegally.

But the purpose of the gathering changed with the news that Francisco had already been sent to his native country of Mexico.

"We're here this morning to honor an outstanding community member - Albaro Francisco," said Anaelisa Vanegas, of Manos Unidas, a Pittsfield-based multicultural educational cooperative.

Vanegas said Francisco's deportation should galvanize locals to push for immigration reform and urged those in attendance to contact legislators and federal officials to make their case.

Vanegas and other supporters said immigrants are an important part of the local workforce and community, and reforms should be undertaken which would allow undocumented workers to remain in the country and become accounted for.


http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_13538965


GREAT NEWS... HAVE SOME OF THAT ...