El Paso, the trial venue, is a border town. I understand it is very "illegal friendly," with many Mexican-Americans still having strong ties to Mexico. Actually, I heard this more than once from my ex-father-in-law (born and bred Mexican-American El Pasoan). I wouldn't think it would be all that difficult to put together a comparable OJ-type jury, given the ethnic composition of the town. (JMO, of course)
I've also heard this aspect discussed by some of the other principals in the case...so I doubt it's "just me."