Immigration Supporters Rally at State Capitol

Immigration supporters from throughout Florida descended on the state capitol to urge lawmaker not to approve Arizona-style immigration laws.

Miami Herald: A swarm of protesters bused in Monday from the Tampa Bay area called on God to prevent lawmakers from rolling ahead with an immigration crackdown, warning it will divide their families and lead to racial profiling. At the end of the day, the protesters had a spontaneous and friendly meeting with Sen. J.D. Alexander, whose panel could hear one of the proposals this week. The events started around noon when hundreds of children, their families and religious leaders chanted “We are Florida” as they snaked across the Capitol courtyard and waved signs targeting SB 2040 and HB 7089. Eventually they crowded the steps of the Old Capitol, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the closing lines of “justice for all,” and singing the Star-Spangled Banner.

“How many of you have faith in God that this law will not pass?” asked Cecilia Perez, a 16-year-old Largo High School sophomore, to an eruption of cheers. “I am here to represent millions of children here in the state of Florida that do no want this law to pass,” she said. “Why? Well, we do not want our families to be separated, first of all, and also we do not want anybody to have racial profiling around the state of Florida.” The protests, organized by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, are planned throughout the week. Protesters from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Orange counties, among other areas, planned to meet with their local delegations and urge against Arizona-style reforms.