Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008
Tense moments at Pa. illegal immigration rally
- The Associated Press

SHENANDOAH, Pa. β€” State police stepped in to defuse tensions at an anti-illegal immigration rally Saturday in the northeastern Pennsylvania town where an immigrant was beaten to death last month.


The rally attended by hundreds had been going on for about an hour in Shenandoah, about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, when five people arrived hoisting a Mexican flag and shouted at the crowd.

The handful of counter-demonstrators included Crystal Dillman, whose fiance, Luis Ramirez, was beaten to death July 12 after he crossed paths with a group of current and former high school football players. Three teenagers have been charged in the case.

About a dozen state troopers stepped in between the groups, and as a police helicopter buzzed overhead, Sgt. Dave Holt told everyone to back up and take a deep breath. Holt said there were no injuries or arrests at the event.

The rally was sponsored by Voice of the People USA, which opposes rights for illegal immigrants. Founder Daniel Smeriglio condemned illegal immigration but decried violence and prefaced his remarks with a moment of silence for Ramirez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico.

"We are in no way applauding what happened in Shenandoah," Smeriglio said. "We condemn racism in every way."

Many people held signs accusing local and national politicians of failing to enforce illegal immigration laws, which they said had strained communities like Shenandoah.

Meanwhile, about 75 people gathered at a unity rally across town at Kehillat Israel Nondenominational Church. Participants listened to speakers and musical performances and chanted "Unity, Hope and Justice" in Spanish during the program, which was presented in Spanish and English.

All members of Shenandoah Borough Council were present along with Mayor Thomas ONeill.

"We need to move on, let the healing process begin, and let the legal system do its job," borough council president Andrew Szczyglak said. "Reuniting with each other will not happen as long as the rallies continue and the protests continue."

http://www.centredaily.com/news/state/story/808617.html