Protests, Support for Immigration Raids in San Diego

By Andrew Phelps, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published May 2, 2007 at 9:13 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Pro-immigrant activists marched through downtown San Diego. It was part of a national day of protest. The protestors denounced a recent surge in immigration raids. Federal agents have been targeting c

Pro-immigrant activists marched through downtown San Diego. It was part of a national day of protest. The protestors denounced a recent surge in immigration raids. Federal agents have been targeting companies that hire undocumented workers. That usually leads to deportation for Mexicans who came here illegally. Ignacio Paredes is a U.S. citizen. He says immigrants don't disrupt the economy. They keep it flowing.

Paredes: You know, if it wasn't for a Mexican, you know, it would be no, no labor, on the houses. Who would take care of their babies? Who would take care of their families? It's our people who are doing everything. It's our people who are doing the hard work. And these people, they just racist.

Anti-illegal immigration activists, including the Minutemen, staged their own rally. They say Congress and the Bush administration aren't doing enough to fix the problem. And they insist it's not about race. Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.