Immigration law draws protest, support

By Michele Clock, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Jose Luis Jiménez, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Originally published May 1, 2010 at 11:20 a.m., updated May 1, 2010 at 12:01 p.m.

SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of immigration activists and others angry over a recently approved Arizona immigration law rallied for immigrants and workers rights Saturday at Chicano Park.

As of 11:30 a.m., a few hundred people had gathered and were watching an indigenous dance performance, before beginning a march to the federal building in downtown San Diego.

There, participants are expected to encounter activists on the other side of the immigration debate, about 40 of whom have arrived so far.

San Diego police have assigned officers to monitor the events and have additional resources available if needed, said Officer Brad Ruff of the San Diego Police Department.

The Chicano Park event is one of several planned around the nation Saturday intended to protest the Arizona law that has reignited national debate about immigration. The law requires local police to question people about their immigration status if they have reason to suspect a person is in the country illegally. Critics see it as encouraging racial profiling and harassment.

Angelica Hueso-Garcia, 31, of San Diego, was among those who had gathered at Chicano Park. She called the Arizona law unjust and “racial profiling at its worstâ€