Huge Rally in Pheonix Supports Arizona Law

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Hundreds rally in Phoenix heat to support new illegal immigration law
June 05, 2010 20:44 EDT

PHOENIX (AP) -- Hundreds of people who support Arizona's new immigration law have been rallying near the state Capitol, where the heat may have put a damper on turnout.

Demonstrators sweated in temperatures reaching as high as 107 degrees. Some shaded themselves with umbrellas and clamored to buy cold water and ice cream from vendors.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio , perhaps best known for his efforts targeting illegal immigrants, drew loud chants of "Joe, Joe, Joe!" from the crowd.

Arpaio praised lawmakers for passing the law and reiterated that he'll lock up as many illegal immigrants as his deputies can arrest. He told the crowd: "We'll put tents from here to Mexico."

The law goes into effect July 29 unless blocked by a court. Critics have said the law will invite racial profiling, while supporters have said it will help fight illegal immigration.

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Hundreds rally in Phoenix heat to support Arizona's new illegal immigration law

By MICHELLE PRICE , Associated Press

Last update: June 5, 2010 - 9:31 PM

PHOENIX - Hundreds of people supporting Arizona's new law cracking down on illegal immigration rallied near the state Capitol on Saturday afternoon in soaring temperatures.

Hundreds of motorcycle riders kicked off the downtown Phoenix rally by riding in a procession around the Capitol. Supporters waved American flags and some carried signs that read "What part of illegal don't they
understand?"

The rally's turnout fell far short of the march organized by opponents of the law last weekend, when an estimated 20,000 people gathered.

Demonstrators on Saturday sweated as temperatures reached 105 degrees. Some shaded themselves with umbrellas and clamored to buy cold water and ice cream from vendors.

"For them to come here when it's over 100 degrees and stand in the heat — it's awesome," said 32-year-old Stephanie Colbert of Glendale.

Colbert, who works in a restaurant, said those who disagree with the law and boycott Arizona are misguided because they hurt the immigrant community they aim to support.

"The hospitality industry has a very large population of immigrants, legal and illegal," she said. "It's those people's jobs that are in jeopardy."

Colbert and her mother, 53-year-old Pattie Sheahan of Phoenix, said they strongly support the new law, which requires police conducting traffic stops or questioning people about possible legal violations to ask about their immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" they're in the country illegally.

"Everybody needs to obey the same laws," Sheahan said. "If you want to come here, there's ways to do it. Do it the right way."

The law, which goes into effect July 29, will also make it a state crime to be in the country illegally or to impede traffic while hiring day laborers, regardless of the worker's immigration status. It would become a crime
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Arizona immigration law supporters gather for rally

by Connie Sexton, Ofelia Madrid and Dustin Gardiner - Jun. 5, 2010 04:50 PM
The Arizona Republic

Saturday's rally in support of Arizona's new immigration law is looking much like a pre-Independence Day celebration. The "Phoenix Rising" event is off to an early start at Wesley Bolin Plaza, with hundreds already gathering before the expected 3 to 6 p.m. slate of speakers.

The dress for the day seems to be red, white and blue with accessories being the American flag. It was what Rita Bonilla had chosen. The Las Vegas retiree was cheerfully chatting with other early birds a little before
noon as people milled around booths selling buttons, T-shirts, bags and other items, many carrying words in support of Senate Bill 1070.

Today's rally at the plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., kicked off on time with a group of motorcycle riders taking a lap around the Capitol complex. Arizona Capitol Police say no street closures are planned.

Today's speakers are to include immigration-bill sponsor Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Former Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., was one of the first to speak and said he could tell the value of the new anti-immigration law by the amount of hysteria from opponents.

"Judging by that, this is the best damn bill that's been passed in the United States of America,'' Tancredo said. "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart because it got America to pay attention to this issue.''

Another speaker, Al Garza, is president of the Patriot's Coalition in Arizona, a group whose mission is to "challenge the government's ambiguity on open border policies.'' He said he moved to Arizona from
California seven years ago but said he found the rule of law not important here.

"We're all Americans of all colors,'' he said. "We salute the flag. Mexico, you know what? Go back if you don't like it here.''

For Bonilla, it's a controversial issue that has divided her family. "I'm of Mexican nationality," she said "I support SB 1070 because it's gotten to the point that it's not immigration anymore, it's invasion."

She was born in the United States and said other family members are against the bill and the division has led to a break down in communication.

"But I am not anti-Hispanic," she said. "I am Hispanic. I speak fluent Spanish and I'm proud to be in this country."

Fellow Las Vegas residents Sue and Rodney Heiselman came to the rally, knowing that the day would be toasty. "It's a sacrifice we're willing to make to support our country," Sue said. "And we're willing to spend money."

And that's an extra effort, the Heiselmans said because Rodney has been out of work in construction for a year. "We'll spend what we have left," he said and smiled.

Today's rally may draw 10,000 to 15,000 participants, including people from outside the state, said  organizer Daniel Smeriglio, head of the Pennsylvania-based Voice of the People USA, which opposes illegal
immigration.

But the day's heat could keep some people at home. The high today is expected to be 107 degrees. At about 3 p.m., it was 105. Phoenix Fire officials said they had responded to at least one heat-related call at the plaza, so far.

He said the rally will call for enforcement of immigration laws and support for Arizona businesses, as well as attempt to get the attention of politicians.

About 500 or so people who were there by 3 p.m. represented several states, including Texas, Kentucky, Ohio and Utah.

Smeriglio said the rally will call for enforcement of immigration laws and support for Arizona businesses, as well as attempt to get the attention of politicians.

"The elected officials work for us," he said. "We have to make them hear our voices. These mass demonstrations are a way to do so."

Arizona's immigration law makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally. It states that an officer engaged in a lawful stop, detention or arrest shall, when practicable, ask about a person's legal status when
reasonable suspicion exists that the person is in the U.S. illegally.

Republic reporter Glen Creno contributed to this article.
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