Vol. 71/No. 30      August 20, 2007

The decision empowers Waukegan cops to start deportation proceedings for undocumented immigrants they arrest. It is based on a section of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act that allows state and local governments to collaborate with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Hundreds of cops in riot gear, on horseback, and buzzing overhead in helicopters failed to dissuade thousands from protesting here.

“Forget Iraq, Waukegan has its own private war with the Mexicans!” read a sign carried by one of the protesters. Chants of “Sí, se puede!” and “U.S.A! U.S.A.!” came out of loudspeakers. The organizers of the protest included the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Casa Mexiquense, Centro Sin Fronteras, the Tonatico Social Club, Latinos Unidos, and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Many local businesses supported the action.

Just north of City Hall about 50 people gathered to back the anti-immigrant measures. “Stop the invasion,” read one of their signs. The Minutemen Project and Americans for Legal Immigration were among the organizers of the rightist rally.
 
 
Related articles:
Court overturns anti-immigrant law in Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Immigration agents arrest hundreds in Texas raids
Workers pack Virginia meetings protesting immigration crackdown
New Jersey vigil, protest counter anti-immigrant rally  
 
 
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