http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=117901

By Emily Krone and Tara Malone
Daily Herald Staff Writers
Posted Friday, November 11, 2005

Activists locked in the battle over illegal immigration Thursday night took the debate to Elgin, one of the leading gateways for immigrants to the Chicago suburbs.

On the eve of Veterans Day, supporters of the Illinois Minuteman Project gathered in the American Legion Hall on Elgin’s east side to share concerns about illegal immigration in the Fox Valley.

The changing face of Elgin and the recent controversy surrounding the playing of Mexico’s national anthem at Larkin High School fueled the debate.

“Illegals are invading our country,� Elgin resident Phyllis Krueger said. “We have to pay for their medical and their education. And we have to pay for our own insurance, which we can barely afford.�

With candles, American flags and signs of concern, a band of Elgin residents stood in protest as the meeting began.


George LeClaire/Daily Herald
Riot police prepared for the worst Thursday night at an Illinois Minuteman Project rally at the American Legion Hall in Elgin.


About 40 protesters drawn mostly from the Elgin area congregated, representing groups like Elgin’s Hispanic Network, the Elgin Latino Political Action Committee and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

“I think as a community, as a Hispanic community, as a community who struggled to be here, we want to show them we are united,� said Joe Becerra, a 53-year-old Elgin man who settled in Elgin’s west side 49 years ago with his family from Mexico.

There to ensure candlelight vigils and protests did not take a violent turn were about 50 riot-ready police officers drawn from 25 suburban police departments, Elgin police Lt. Cecil Smith said.

Streets surrounding the hall on Liberty Street were blocked and all traffic diverted from the area. No arrests were made.

During an open microphone session inside, residents were encouraged to share their thoughts about the impact illegal immigration was having on the Fox Valley.

The incident at Larkin High School â€â€