Rallying for open borders, amnesty

Sunday was a prelude to Tuesday's protest

By EVE HIGHTOWER

Last Updated: April 30, 2007, 03:34:13 AM PDT

America Ochoa of Modesto helps daughter Cassandra, 4, sign her name to a kids' petition Sunday afternoon at an immigration reform rally at Gil's Plaza on Crows Landing Road. The rally focused on the impact deporting illegal immigrant parents has on families with children born in the United States. JOAN BARNETT LEE/THE BEE

Alicia Perez and Ricardo Gil Jr. hold signs encouraging passers-by to stop Sunday afternoon at Gil's Plaza on Crows Landing Road for an immigration reform rally. On Tuesday, another rally is scheduled for Crows Landing and Hatch roads in south Modesto. JOAN BARNETT LEE/THE BEE

May Day Movement organizers refrain from guessing how many people will show up for Tuesday's rally demanding amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Last year, thousands turned out after organizers anticipated about 300, said Ricardo Gil Jr., of Aztlan Rising, an activist Web site.

Aztlan Rising and the Modesto Brown Berets, which oppose the concept of national borders, are organizing this year's event, which began Sunday afternoon at Gil's Plaza on Crows Landing Road with speakers and skits by Teatro Los Hijos del Campo.

Sunday's rally focused on the impact deporting illegal immigrant parents has on families with children born in the United States.

"Take a father out of the home, and the family falls apart. Take a mother out of the home, and the family falls apart," said Destiny Alvarez of the Brown Berets.

The rallies flank Children's Day in Mexico, which is meant to inspire people to think about and take better care of their children.

Criminalization and deportation of illegal immigrants undermines the Latino community's ability to nurture its future, said Akili Shabazz of Fathers Who Care.

"We're all one family and share in one struggle," he said.

Alvarez and other speakers called for immigration reform that includes an open border and amnesty for those in the United States illegally. That message will continue Tuesday morning at the May Day rally at Crows Landing and Hatch roads.

As Modesto Junior College MEChA President Marisol Marin, 19, looked out at the crowd of about 35 people, she challenged them to bring people to this week's rally.

Talk of skipping school to attend the rally inspired United Farm Workers activist Dolores Huerta, who spoke at an MJC César Chávez celebration this month, to encourage students to stay in class. Staying in class shows that students value education, she said.

Marin agreed.

"If you're going to school, I recommend you come after school," she said. "If you're out of school, you should come. That's what you've come here for, to show support for your family, to better your future. Tuesday is your chance to say that."

To comment, click on the link with this story at www.modbee.com . Bee staff writer Eve Hightower can be reached at or 578-2382.

WHAT: May Day Movement 2007, rally and general boycott

WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Crows Landing and Hatch roads in south Modesto