May 7, 2007VOL. 45, NO. 9Oakland, CA

Rallies call for just immigration policy reform

On the steps of the Contra Costa County courthouse in Martinez, Latino youth plead for humane immigration reform that will keep families united. More than 2,000 people marched from the Martinez Marina in support of immigration reform. Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISO) was a major organizer of the rally.

May 1 rallies in Oakland, Berkeley and Martinez drew thousands in support of immigration reform that includes fair paths to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Participants carried religious symbols, U.S. flags and handmade posters with messages that included opposition to raids and deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Last year ICE deported 195,024 people. This year, 125,405 have already been deported.
Catholic parishes and community organizations were lead supporters of the rallies.

Father Jerry Brown, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Brentwood, addresses the crowd during a rally in Martinez.	A diverse crowd of reform supporters walks through the streets of Martinez.

A man carries a sign during a rally in Oakland that drew more than 5000 participants. In translation, his sign reads “Jesus was also an immigrant.”	Hundreds of marchers hold U.S. flags during the march in downtown Martinez. JOSE AGUIRRE PHOTOS

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