Martin Rodriguez, at right, observes marchers near 36th Street and South Sixth Avenue. The immigration/workers rights march proceeded to Armory Park.
David Sanders / arizona daily star
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On StarNet: See a video of the May Day marches at go.azstarnet.com/localvideos


Weighing in on immigration
Staff and wire reports
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.02.2008
advertisementImmigration rights
The estimated number of protesters who gathered at Downtown's Armory Park Thursday to demand immigration reform and social justice for immigrant workers:
1,200
Marching from South Side
The park gathering followed by a march from Tucson's South Side by about 500 people, many carrying signs and flags. Some marchers also said they opposed a state Senate bill that would restrict what is taught in ethnic studies departments in public schools. TUSD, which sent a letter to parents asking that students stay in class rather than march, reported no major rise in absences.
"There are a lot of implications for these border policies."
Organizer Leilani Clark
with Coalición de Derechos Humanos, who said she was pleased with the turnout despite seeing a smaller number of participants compared with last year.
Immigration enforcement
The estimated number of counterprotesters calling for the enforcement of immigration laws who also congregated Downtown Thursday morning:
150
Giving voice to the other side
Led by a local talk show host, they gathered at De Anza Park at North Stone Avenue and Speedway then marched to El Presidio Park. No incidents were reported in connection with the protest, said Sgt. Fabian Pacheco, a Tucson Police Department spokesman.
"Today isn't about Mexicans. … It's about illegal aliens."
Frank Hook
66, a painting contractor, who said he worries about the strain unchecked illegal immigration causes health care, schools and law enforcement.
From staff and wire reports
Other marches, rallies across U.S. / A5
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