The counterdemonstrators chanted and carried signs demanding, “Fuera racistas” (Racists out) and “No to the militarization of the border.” They rallied for more than three hours and remained until all but a handful of the rightist group had left.

About 80 supporters of the San Diego Minutemen held signs saying “Illegals go home,” “Amnesty: hell no,” “Illegal workers destroy living wages,” “Deport Mayor Inzunza,” and “No sanctuary city.”

The rightists opposed Mayor Nick Inzunza’s proposal to make National City a “sanctuary city,” whereby city funds would not be used to enforce federal immigration laws. Later that week the city council signed the measure into effect.

Police Chief Adolfo Gonzales said, “Our policy doesn’t change” because of that action by city officials.

The Sí Se Puede Coalition, American Friends Service Committee, and Border Angels were among the immigrant rights groups that organized the countermobilization.

Two blocs of armed cops divided the street between the opposing demonstrations. Hundreds of cops from National City, Vista, San Diego, Coronado, La Mesa, and Carlsbad policed the streets and blocked the main boulevard.

Despite the potential for provocations by the cops and rightists, the immigrants’ rights protesters organized an effective security team and remained disciplined throughout.

On September 30 some 500 people rallied here again to support the legalization of undocumented workers.
 
 
Related articles:
Protesters in Connecticut: ‘Don’t deport day laborers!’
Congress approves Voter ID bill, border fence
How labor misleaders led ‘Yellow Peril’ campaign  
 
 
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