Hundreds of people supporting Arizona’s new law cracking down on illegal immigration gathered near the state capitol building on Saturday as the temperature soared.
A Pennsylvania-based group, Voice of the People USA, organized the demonstration, which it touts as a grassroots effort. Attendees came from every region of the US, Voice of the People president Daniel Smeriglio said.
The turnout fell far short of the march organized by opponents of the law last weekend, when an estimated 20,000 people gathered.
PHOTO: AFP
The immigration law requires that police officers conducting traffic stops or questioning people about possible legal violations ask about their immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion” someone might be in the country illegally. Reasonable suspicion is not defined.
The law also makes 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 also become a crime for illegal immigrants to solicit work. The law takes effect on July 29 unless blocked by a court as requested by pending legal challenges.
Hundreds of motorcycle riders kicked off the rally by riding in a procession around the capitol building.
The rally at a park in downtown Phoenix follows dueling events last weekend that drew thousands of opponents and supporters of the law to the area.
However, this weekend’s rally may have been muted by the hot weather. The National Weather Service predicted the temperature would reached 41.5°C on Saturday.
Smeriglio said his group planned to provide lots of water.
Participants have been urged to bring umbrellas and wear sunscreen, he said.
Former Republican representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Republican state Senator Russell Pearce of Mesa were scheduled to speak at the event. Pearce is the author of the law that goes into effect next month.
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