San Diego rally decries Arizona's tough new immigration law

About 40 people gathered at a rally in downtown San Diego voicing their dissenting view on the tough new Arizona illegal immigration issue signed into law on Friday.

Police on the scene commented that there were more media trucks and law enforcement at the “Boycott Arizona” evening rally than actual rally supporters. One of the officers on duty said, “Media must have been hoping there would be a large number of protesters like we had during the 2006 failed amnesty push.”

Approximately seven media trucks, seven police cars and SUVs, two fire trucks and one ambulance lined the street in front on the federal building along Front Street. There were no reports of any arrests and protesters were able to get their message out with only one counter-protester on the sidelines.

Rally attendees listened to speakers in English and Spanish talk about how racist Arizona’s new law is and the need to show support for the immigrant population throughout the country.

Many signs and Mexican flags sprinkled the crowd and the lone American flag captured the attention of passerby’s as there were many more Mexican flags waving in the air. Folks leaving the building after a long day at work didn’t appreciate the blatant disrespect for the American flag. “Why not support Americans?” asked John Leary of San Diego.

As far as the supporters point of view the rally was a chance to support the Latinos in the country, legally or illegally.

“I support Hispanic immigrants around the country and in Arizona. Because laws in other states affect us we need to make sure illegal immigrants liberties are not violated. I believe this new law infringes on the 4th Amendment and will lead to racial profiling,” said Leo Carrillo of San Diego. “This isn’t my first rally I have been to before and it’s important to let people know I support them.”

While there was only one counter-protester on the sidewalk, many people in cars driving by shouted “No amnesty, go home,” and there were cars that simply honked in support of illegal immigrants.

One thing is clear – this debate is not over.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner