Immigration law in Arizona sparks Toledo protest

Former Toledo City Councilman Louis Escobar compared Arizona's immigration law with policies of Nazi Germany. THE BLADE/LISA DUTTON Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Connie Eason, left, Martha Delgaso, and Jesus Salas march for immigration reform in downtown Toledo. Two Toledo groups organized the rally before marching in Detroit's Mexican Town. THE BLADE/LISA DUTTON Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Arizona's controversial new immigration law drew the ire and disgust of some Toledo Latinos Saturday, such as former City Councilman Louis Escobar who likened the western state to Nazi Germany.

"I am a second-generation American and I was elected by the people and yet I could go to the state of Arizona and a police officer would be in his right to ask that I prove that I am an American citizen," Mr. Escobar said after about 40 people marched in South Toledo at Broadway and Logan Street.

"I would go to jail because I am not about to produce some papers," he said. "All I can think of is Nazi Germany."

Representatives from the Latino Alliance of Greater Toledo and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee of Toledo organized the rally before traveling to Detroit to join thousands marching in that city's Mexican Town.

Civil rights advocates across the nation have vowed to challenge the tough new law targeting illegal immigration, saying it will lead to racial profiling of Hispanics.

The Arizona law requires immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times and requires police to question people whom they suspect are in the United States illegally. Police would be able to detain someone based on the suspicion that he or she entered the country illegally.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill on Friday that makes changes to the controversial law that she said should ease concerns about racial profiling.

Police could stop suspected illegal immigrants only while enforcing some other law or ordinance, such as speeding.

That is not enough for FLOC President Baldemar Velasquez, who said he's worried other states, including Ohio, will introduce "copycat bills."

"The wrong-headed people got their way and woe to those who pass unjust laws because the government and a majority of people can pass unjust laws," he said. "That's what they did during the civil rights movements like Jim Crow laws and that's what they did in Nazi Germany."

Mr. Velasquez said Arizona is treating a misdemeanor too harshly. "It is not a felony to be here without papers," he said. "It's a misdemeanor and the punishment should fit the crime. You don't fine someone $10,000 for speeding."

Contact Ignazio Messina at:

imessina@theblade.com

or 419-724-6171.