N.Jersey protestors clash over illegal immigration

Reuters ^ | Aug 20, 5:49 PM (ET) | Jon Hurdle

[DogBarkTree]

RIVERSIDE, New Jersey (Reuters) - Opponents of a local law cracking down on illegal immigrants clashed on Sunday with residents chanting "go home" as both sides proclaimed their loyalty to the United States.

An estimated 300 to 400 people gathered outside the town hall to protest a recently passed ordinance that bans hiring or renting to illegal immigrants, who are accused of overburdening local services such as schools and hospitals without paying taxes.

The protesters, representing the largely Brazilian immigrant community of Riverside, were heckled by about 500 counter-demonstrators kept at bay by police on the other side of the town's main intersection.

As immigration supporters accused the town's council of racism, opponents chanted "USA, USA" and waved placards saying "Scram" and "Stop Illegal Immigration." A passing pickup truck drew loud cheers by flying a Confederate flag with the motto "The South Will Rise Again."

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Although the story could be made up, there can be such people all over the country. There are visitors and tourists, after all. The proConfederate guy could have been a Southern visitor.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

What exactly is a Mexican grunt? The same as an American grunt?

[SERE_DOC]

"I know nothing about Jersey but this is just to convenient."

Sure you do, You must have heard of Gov. Buttercup!

[4yearlurker]

It's a sound you make before you say; "we don't need no steenkin badges"!

[Calpernia]

Photo ops :)

[tgslTakoma]

Colletta Doelling, of Riverside, N.J., shows support for a recent anti-immigration law passed in Riverside, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006.The occasion was a protest against a township ordinance adopted last month that bans the hiring and housing of people who can't offer verification that they are in the U.S. legally. (AP Photo/Mary Godleski)

Protestors wave signs in support of a recent anti-immigration law passed in Riverside, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006. The occasion was a protest against a township ordinance adopted last month that bans the hiring and housing of people who can't offer verification that they are in the U.S. legally. (AP Photo/Mary Godleski)

Protestors wave signs opposing a recent anti-immigration law passed in Riverside, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006. The occasion was a protest against a township ordinance adopted last month that bans the hiring and housing of people who can't offer verification that they are in the U.S. legally. (AP Photo/Mary Godleski)

[mdittmar]

I'm sorry,I forgot what my point was.

[tgslTakoma]

The AP story says 200 pro-illegal demonstrators. And they don't say how many anti-illegal demonstrators, they just say "A larger group massed across the street."

[PistolPaknMama]

I remember the stars and bars in the back windows of vans and pickups

The Confederate Navy Jack and Confederate battle flag are not the same as the stars and bars.

[mdittmar]

Anybody got a picture of that truck?

[tgslTakoma]

Rev. Miguel Rivera probably has a photo of the truck...

[nmh]

The next step - DEPORT THEM!

[tgslTakoma]

Oh, but if he doesn't have a photo, al-Reuters can make one. Just give them a little time.

[mdittmar]

Well it would sure boost their story if they had a pic,I mean that must of had a photographer there.

We all know about "them southerners".

[stainlessbanner]

Ping

[stainlessbanner]

Confederados Keep Dixie Alive Down South in Brazil

Confederacy lives way down south of Dixie

[Intolerant in NJ]

As immigration supporters accused the town's council of racism...It's the illegality, stupid.....

[mdittmar]

A passing pickup truck drew loud cheers by flying a Confederate flag with the motto "The South Will Rise Again."

O.K. I think we all know what this was about,it'a rooters fauxnews story.

[Clemenza]

Much to my southern friends dismay, the Confederate flag has become a symbol for White Trash Pride, particularly in the midwest, but also in portions of the northeast.

[Clemenza]

Cape May County was settled largely by expatriate southerners. The city of Cape May was a popular resort area for southerners in the summer during the 19th century.

As for Cumberland County, the white population is a mixture of white protestants who either came from the original settler families or expatriate southerners, or Italians who farmed the tomato fields.

This is Burlington County (ie metro Philly). The guy who flew the flag could likely be a schlub of Irish/Italian/German ancestry with no connection to the South.