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Thursday, March 30, 2006 11:23 AM CST
Tempers flare as students protest immigration reform
MARSHALLTOWN (AP) — More than 150 Marshalltown High School students skipped class Wednesday to protest a measure that would make it a felony to illegally enter the United States.

The demonstrators, who reportedly displayed a pole with the Mexican flag flying over the U.S. flag, encountered some angry residents as they spread their message across the city.

“Somebody threw some water bottles at the protesters and then some got in each others’ faces, so we moved in quickly to separate them,” said Marshalltown Police Chief Lon Walker.

He said no charges will be filed, but he questioned why the group would place the U.S. flag so low on the pole.

“That may be counterproductive to the message they are trying to send,” he said.

The protesters, most of them Hispanics, left classes at Marshalltown High School and assembled at the Marshall County Courthouse. The students continued to the south side of town, where the confrontations occurred.

The rally comes as the Senate considers legislation that would stiffen punishment for illegal immigration, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegals, and build more fences along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Thousands of students in California and Texas have also ditched classes this week to protest the proposals.

“We are not looking for attention,” said Cecilia Nunez, a senior at Marshalltown High School. “We just want everybody to know we all want to be equal.”

Raymond Correa, another student at the high school, organized the protesters after they arrived at the courthouse. He told them that “we’re Iowans but we are also Hispanics” who are aware of the proposals Congress is considering. “We don’t have our eyes closed,” he said.

Harrison Cass, superintendent of the Marshalltown Community School District, said he does not condone students leaving class to protest.

“While I understand they have concerns, we expect them to handle those concerns in an appropriate way,” he said.

“Our concern is for the students that they are not getting their education if they are down at the courthouse. Secondly, anything they do we want them to do in such a way that it will not be disruptive.”

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Showing The Last 29 comment(s) Comments On This Story

Cody wrote on Mar 31, 2006 12:30 AM:

" The entire issue of legal and illegal immigration from Latin America, particularly Mexico, does center on race - La Raza. Hundreds of thousands of Hispanic demonstrations supported by Hispanic elected officials marching on the streets of America's cities demanding "equality" - to which they are not entitled if they are illegal - should be taken as a grave warning to all Americans. Their protests and marches are nothing but supporting the undermining of American sovereignty and law as a means of changing the demographics of the United States to their favor. While stating "The United States is a nation of immigrants" and demanding "civil rights," they feed upon the nastalgia Americans have of the images of Ellis Island and Martin Luther King. Meanwhile, the Mexican government places full page ads in the leading American newspapers to sway political discourse, convenes an international summit with other Latin countries regarding America's immigration law, threatens to take the State of Arizona to international court over Proposition 200, and does everything within its power to undermine the sovereignty and right of the United States to act as an independent nation. Simply because one has United States citizenship does not equate one as being American. Thus, Mexico allows dual citizenship. The immigration debate in the United States does center on race and the Reconquista of the American southwest by Mexican "immigrants." Should the Mexican army cross the border and conquer California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas and impose Mexican culture, the Spanish language, and raising of the Mexican flag above those states America would protect herself since it would be an act of war and an invasion. However, millions upon millions of Mexican peasants crossing the border imposing Mexican culture, the Spanish language, and raising of the Mexican flag in the United States is characterized as Mexican "pride." Americans need not be silenced by the smears of "racist," "nativist," "xenophobe," or any other slurs when they stand up to defend their country, language, culture, and heritage. If Americans are silenced then the Mexican flag will fly solely on the flagpoles in this land in the not too distant future. "

Sue wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:07 PM:

" The 1965 Immigration Reform Act pushed by Sen Ted Kennedy D MASS, Roman Catholic Bishops, other religous groups decided to discriminate against immigrants from Europe and open immigration up to the third world countries. They promised our streets would not be flooded with immigrants and the character and the ethnic balance of this country would not change. It was a lie. Multiculturalism is a cult that pits each race and nationality against one another. When the Mexican flag is flaunted in these organized militant demonstrations or rebellions it says "occupied" Mexico has planned for years to colonize the U.S. and take the southwest lands back by a stealth unarmed invasion of footsoldiers called illegal aliens so the Elite in Mexico do not want to pay taxes, they want you to. They want to dump as many of their poor on the American taxpayer as they can. This country is full and has gone past its carrying capacity. In less than 50 years there will be 500 million people due to unrestricted immigration. Mexico says, "what's mine is mine, what's yours is mine as well. We do not need guestworkers, anymore immigration to bring millions of family members over--the chain migration that never ends--nepotism not merit. We are losing our country and our American identity and I fully expect to see the disuniting of the U.S. as either ethnic states or separate countries within the U.S. Here in Michigan, we have the highest unemployment rate in the nation. "

Jonathan Chow wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:04 PM:

" As an immigrant from China, I can tell you I'm proud to be an American. Though I embrace my heritage and my roots, my allegiance as long as I live here will always be to America. What I saw at the protest was insulting, especially to all the "legal" immigrants and sons and daughters of legal immigrants in this great country. These protesters aren't protesting for equality, they're protesting for entitlement. Entitlement that Americans don't even get. "

Jeff Alan wrote on Mar 30, 2006 7:52 PM:

" If you watch any of the protests here in California (I'm in San Diego where several area high schools were closed today and will remain so tomorrow), you will seldom, if ever, see the U.S. flag being waved, but will see a sea of red, white, and green (the Mexican flag). It's obvious that the majority of these demonstrators (mostly high school students) have no clue to what it is they are really doing. Winning the hearts and minds of Americans? "

Kenneth VanZile wrote on Mar 30, 2006 7:20 PM:

" To fly the Mexican flag over the American flag in America is wrong, dead wrong, if your so proad of your country go back there and live. You came here to better your life great,so be thankful to to the country where you live and provide for your family. Repay your employer by company being a loyal employe and repaying them by learning english and getting your family to do the samething. Keep your countries traditions but also embrace america`s traditions and follow them and be a American, not a Mexican American This is The United States of America love it or leave it. "

Ron Bronson wrote on Mar 30, 2006 5:02 PM:

" The issue above is not that immigrants (of any nationality) are not equal; the issue is that immigrants, of any nationality, and who are here illegally, are simply not American residents; thus, they do not have equal access to citizens' facilities. It would be the same for any American citizen to be in another country, such as Mexicao or Africa or China or Japan, and to expect the rights of those countries' citizens. I, for one, am unwilling to pay additional fees for my benefits in order to support persons who are not residents here at this time. "

MC Gramma wrote on Mar 30, 2006 4:57 PM:

" Re: La Raza: Why is it Ok for some to be boldly and brazenly racist, but if an American citizen questions the logic of rich politicians, and the butts of the business owners they kiss, that citizen is automatically labelled a racist. For every silly high school kid skipping class to protest legislation they don't understand (because their teachers are afraid of being accused of being racists if they take the average american's perspective)there are dozens of real Americans cowering behind closed doors because if you take a stand opposing the bleeding hearts' view, they are accused of being racist. Viva Los Americanos de Los Estados Unidos! "

dingo wrote on Mar 30, 2006 3:55 PM:

" Sorry Ron- didn't think you would take it so hard. BUT- I DID agree with what you wrote, OK? Besides, who knows? Maybe I meant to present myself as a brand of boot. Now, get worked up about THAT. "

mc mom wrote on Mar 30, 2006 3:24 PM:

" Is this a racial issue or a issue on how to save America MILLIONS of dollars every year from having to pay medical bills on the ILLIGALS! I have not heard anything on how this bill is going to try to surpress the hispanic communties that are here legally. It is costing us alot of taxes with no decent wage increases right now! How can we justify cutting our school budgets but needing to bring in bilingual teachers! People need to look at the long term effect on supporting illegals. Everytime you look at your paycheck and wish is was bigger you can thank the illeagles that are doing the jobs for Way less. I want that wall to go UP!!!! "

Ron wrote on Mar 30, 2006 3:22 PM:

" Dingo- Well, I guess I've seen it all now, I'm recieving grammatical advice from a person who presents themselves as a rabid wild dog. I appreciate the grammatical advice and apologize for offending your grammatical sensibilities.If you look even more critically Dingo, I even spelled Mexico wrong once. These mistakes I promise will never, ever happen again. Rome (U.S.) is burning Dingo, get educated about the subject, and get involved because Americans are running out of time.Call and protest your local treasonous politician(s) and let him know your watching every treasonous vote he or she casts. "

Kyle wrote on Mar 30, 2006 2:25 PM:

" I think when Roland was saying the stuff about waiter's having nose rings and tattoo's is it is a very unprofessional image to have them being displayed while on the job. I'm in the military and have tattoo's all up and down my arms and I have my ears pierced but guess what...while i'm in uniform i cannot display them. It just gives the wrong image. If your going to work in a profession dress well and represent yourself in a way that suits the job. If you work in services you probably shouldn't have piercings and tat's showing. If you work in a tattoo shop...display it. On another note, "dad from CA" we are fighting for our flag in Iraq/Afghanastan. whether you see it or not. jerk. "

dingo wrote on Mar 30, 2006 1:46 PM:

" Geez, Ron- it's "our" not "are". I agree with what you wrote, but geez.... "

PO'd in US wrote on Mar 30, 2006 1:35 PM:

" These people don't want to become Americans, they want just want the advantages Americans enjoy. I Don't understand why hispanics are so proud of the country the are desperately trying to escape. This boggles my mind. "

ali wrote on Mar 30, 2006 1:33 PM:

" Isnt the flag of America a sign of freedom? What do tattoos and piercings have to do with immigration laws? The fact is that we created a free country for ourselves,and those who have not contributed and just seek to reap our rewards is not fair..... "

Roland wrote on Mar 30, 2006 12:37 PM:

" To girl with a nose ring.. Read what dad from ca wrote about going back to the 60's and then re-read why I wrote what I did. Maybe you can comprehend and put the two together. Sorry that you are confused. "

American wrote on Mar 30, 2006 12:31 PM:

" If you want to be equal, you have to make yourselves equal. Do it legally like everyone else in the United States of America. Respect the U.S. the way the rest of us do. If you want to fly a Mexican flag...do it in Mexico...where it belongs. High fives to Joe, Jerry, & Ron! "

Ron wrote on Mar 30, 2006 11:57 AM:

" The bottom line is these individuals are not Americans,even if they where born on this soil. They are anchorbabies. America and its institutions are a means to an end that their country will not provide for them.They are Mexicans and their allegaiance is to Mexioco (verified by the glorious display of the Mexican flag) and their chants of La Raza. Which translates to "the race". Wake up sleeping Americans, are politicians are preparing to devalue citizenship, devalue are votes, and sell are sovereignty on the alter of globalism.Open your eyes, I am a native southern Californian who sees the invasion and hatred of these reconquistas daily.Do a little research and get involved and you we'll see the true agenda of the Mexican and open borders lobby. Wake up before its to late, and it almost already is. "

Girl with a nose ring wrote on Mar 30, 2006 11:44 AM:

" In the United States of America, the american flag should be displayed above any other. But I am not quite sure what peircings and tatoos have to do with it. I am a full time college student who is on the deans list and I work full time in a very highly respected professional business. But guess what? I have a nose ring. And a tatoo, but I am as American as they come. "

Jerry wrote on Mar 30, 2006 11:34 AM:

" With rights come responsibilities!! If one goes to Mexico, they best speak Spanish. No biligual classes there. Mexico has been influenced by the communists since the days of Leon Trotsky. This strife would not be happening IF America had some real leadership, not the treasonous reprobates we now have in DC. (district of criminals) "

Roland wrote on Mar 30, 2006 10:06 AM:

" Yes dad from ca, I miss those days when people came here and proudly learned the language quickly and were proud to be called an "American." I miss the days when we didn't have to lock the house and the car and feeling safe in our homes. I miss the days when people dressed nicely and were proud of their looks. I miss the days when people weren't proud to be taking money from the government because they knew that it was indirectly coming from their neighbors. I miss the days when tatoos were not displayed openly except by GI's that served their country with pride. There were no nose-rings or studs worn by waiters and waitresses. And I miss the days when children had the same last name as both parents. Yes dad and E Foster, I for one, am guilty of missing those days. "

mel wrote on Mar 30, 2006 9:12 AM:

" Very well written American Citizen. I am not for building any fences but believe in more patrols could be an effective tool. And our flag, in America belongs on top. Period. "

Joe Heck wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:46 AM:

" Bottom Line: If the Hispanic population is growing legally like any other migration,welcome to America.Now please speak English as most migrants from other countries have learned. If they are illegal please DO NOT allow them to stay. This would be a direct slap in the face of anyone who has came here properly. If here illegal then the have NO rights. They are criminals and should be punished as such,including anyone hiring illegals. We as people of the USA need to defend what is ours and not alow our jobs,land,funds and freedom to be given away. "

Hiram wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:33 AM:

" agreed, the bill says nothing about race....its about securing the border, which we all should be concerned with. "

A proud American wrote on Mar 30, 2006 8:03 AM:

" Ms. Nunez wants us to know that they want to be equal, Right? Well maybe a good start would be to not to use hispanic-American and begin with just "American." By raising the mexican flag above the American flag,it shows how little they think and care about the country that gives they every opportunity and even the "right" to act like a fool. What do the parents think about this situation?? It will only get worse.. "

2_The_Point wrote on Mar 30, 2006 7:58 AM:

" I totally agree American Citizen! Why is this even an issue? IF you are in our country illegally, get out or get thrown out....period. Yes, my family immigrated here, but they did it LEGALLY, as did most of our ancestors. Why we are still fighting with this issue after 9/11 is frightening to me. "

dad from ca wrote on Mar 30, 2006 7:33 AM:

" American Citizen, If your use of the English language is indicative of the quality of your skills as an instructor---then I fear for your students. Our men and women in uniform in Iraq are NOT fighting to protect our FLAG. Where have you been? What world do you live on? Did you miss the Sixties? Sometimes it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all shadow of a doubt. "

E Foster wrote on Mar 30, 2006 6:44 AM:

" What an incredible experience for these young students! It is hard to imagine a better education. Protests in US history have always been portrayed as ILLEGAL. Rosa Parks broke the law, as did people on the Underground Railroad who freed thousands of slaves, as did H.D. Thoreau, as did the original Minutemen(the real ones) with forbidden arms and the Boston Tea Party. These kids get a rare opportunity to be a part of history. Popular movements by a minority community demanding rights and dignity, you can't get any more American than that! A good educator will use this experience in the classroom to teach that protest is a part of the American experience. "

John wrote on Mar 30, 2006 6:16 AM:

" If they are so patriotic to the Mexican flag, I will gladly drive to Marshalltown, pick them up and deliver them to their wonderful county where they can proudly wave the mexican flag. "

An American Citizen wrote on Mar 30, 2006 12:52 AM:

" How is it that students who are getting a free and safe education can be allowed to protest something that is ILLEGAL? I am a teacher and I ask these kids what are they protesting and do you know that they don't even know what this measure is about? These kids walking out are the kids that don't want to be in class anyway. AND how can they fly a Mexican flag over our U.S. flag that our soldiers are fighting for this very minute? What an uneducated slap in the face! If they are so proud of Mexico, isn't that where they should be? I am proud to be an American and that is where I am, America. We fly our flag here!! It isn't about racism, it is about respect. Respect for what we have and respect for what this great nation has brought forth for us all!! Bottom line people: it is about 2 words, legal and illegal. Look them up if you are confused. "

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