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http://www.dailynews.com/ci_6214021?source=most_emailed

LAPD breaks-up immigration standoff

Article Last Updated: 06/23/2007 04:34:10 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES - A coalition of Minutemen and black activists met a larger group of pro-immigrant marchers at a demonstration at Leimert Park today.

Officers, some in riot gear, some in shorts and on bicycles, attempted to separate the two groups, which numbered as many as 500, as they shouted down each other during what was billed as an anti-immigration rally.

At 3:50 p.m., Los Angeles Police officials declared the rally to be an illegal assembly, as its parade permit had expired, and a short time later arrested organizer Ted Hayes, a homeless advocate-turned anti-immigration activist.

LAPD brass earlier had declared a tactical alert to muster enough officers to keep the two sides apart. And police, mindful of the May Day melee at MacArthur Park, carefully told reporters that it was setting up an observation zone at the southern side of the park.

Hayes led an unusual coalition of white Minutemen activists and a small number of blacks demanding reparations for slavery had planned an 11 a.m. march to Leimert Park, and daylong rally.

Hayes had chosen the park, an area known as the cultural center of the African American community of Los Angeles, for a rally he called “Choose Black America -

“Not Amnesty - Not Illegal Immigration.”
The event attracted roughly 500, though police had estimated about 300 total - about 150 for each side, LAPD spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said.

There have been no reports of violence so far, authorities said.

A citywide tactical alert was issued about 1:30 p.m., meaning officers completing their shifts are being kept on overtime in case they are needed to deal with the protest.

Meanwhile, organizers of a march demanding legalization of immigrant workers scheduled for Hollywood on Sunday said they are expecting a crowd of more than 15,000.

The march is being held in anticipation of Tuesday’s Senate debate on immigration reform.

“There is a need for immigrants to be recognized for their work and our main concern is the more than 12 million workers here illegally,” said Raul Murillo, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of Hermandad Nacional.

“We want recognition for their work and legalization now. We’re asking for the legalization for 12 million workers giving their lives to the United States.”

Participants of the Sunday “Full Rights For Immigrants March and Rally” will begin assembling at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street around 10 a.m.

The march to the front of the Kodak Theatre, between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive, will begin at noon and is expected to last about an hour, Murillo said.

A plan to overhaul immigration stalled on the Senate floor earlier this month. But different from its predecessor, the latest proposal includes tougher security measures designed to gain conservative support.

The proposed bill includes a mandated $4.4 billion for border security and jail time for foreigners who overstay their visas.

The fate of the bill remains uncertain, however, as opposition builds among conservatives.