Immigration rally packs Othello

More than 3,000 march in support of immigrant rights

OTHELLO — Calling for "Immigration reform now," thousands of immigrants and immigrant supporters swelled the streets of downtown Othello to make their voices heard loud and clear.

Carrying signs decrying legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, marchers wore white and waved American flags in hopes their demonstration would incite comprehensive changes to the country's immigration policy. Taking the day off work, and bringing their signs to Lions Park after school, more than 3,000 marchers peacefully walked down Main Street chanting "si se puede," Spanish for "yes we can."

"So that we could have justice, and so that we could have immigration reform," Othello fifth-grader Karina Garcia cited as her reasons for marching. Garcia held high a sign stating, "Our labor puts food on your table," and said she was pleased by the high turnout.

Event organizer Ronaldo Delgado too said he was "pleasantly surprised" at having triple the turnout he had originally expected. The Moses Lake attorney organized the event alongside Othello's La KalienT radio station.

Delgado said marchers want to see passage of the U.S. Senate comprehensive reform act, and said they have been writing to senators and signing petitions in favor of that bill.

"We are marching today because we want you to understand that we are not criminals, we are workers," Delgado told marchers, urging them not to rest until a law is passed which is humane to all.

He said the Hispanic community has been quiet for too long, but has been "politically awakened" by the immigration issue.

"We also oppose HR 4437, when under veil of border security is only an enforcement bill," Delgado said, referring to the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last year. "It has nothing for immigrants, offers nothing for students or agricultural workers," and, he said, it does nothing to address backlogs in the system.

The demonstration was part of a nationwide "Day Without Immigrants" in which the Associated Press reported more than 1 million mostly Hispanic immigrants and their supporters skipped work to take part in the rallies. In the Columbia Basin, more than 3,000 swelled Othello's Lions Park and Main Street for more than an hour. Marchers added a significant chunk to the city's population, which measures just 6,100 on a typical day. They came from nearby Warden, Royal City and Moses Lake, but also from farther destinations like Wenatchee.

Luis Miramontes took work off from a Moses Lake building supply company to join the rally, but said he knew others who weren't able to join him.

"It's been harder for a lot of people, if they don't show up, they're fired," Miramontes said.

He came out in opposition to HR 4437, and said he hopes Monday's actions keep the law from being passed. Miramontes has cousins who came to the U.S. when they were very young; he said they haven't been back to Mexico, and would have nothing to go back to if they were forced to leave.

Marchers carried signs stating "We are immigrants, not criminals," and wore T-shirts with "Justicia para las inmigrantes" or "Justice for immigrants" written on the back.

Jaime Mendoza lives in Moses Lake and came back to the town he grew up in for the rally. Mendoza doesn't think much will happen following their march, but was glad to see so many people supporting what they believe in.

"My parents are immigrants from Mexico, so I'm just here to support them," Mendoza said.

Jaime Gonzalez came from Wenatchee for the peaceful protest, and said marchers want basic human rights.

"I think it's sending a big message," Gonzalez said. "It may not have a big impact in Congress, but it is a big message."

Delgado said the millions of undocumented workers across America deserve an opportunity to become full members of their communities. But, he said, those people need to integrate into society to reap those benefits, by learning English, civics and passing the citizenship test so they will be able to vote.

Delgado will continue to be involved, and now knows the people will respond. He said supporters will also continue to work toward passage of the comprehensive immigration reform act, currently in the U.S. Senate.

"We want a law that is just, humane and fair," Delgado said. "All people want is an opportunity to live the American dream."