Immigrants in Quincy join protests
Far fewer march than in last month’s protest
QUINCY – Three weeks after massive nationwide protests, immigrants again took to the streets Monday to boycott schools and businesses and show America it needs them.
Last month, an estimated 3,000 immigrants marched in Quincy to demand the right to become U.S. citizens. But Monday only 300 or so showed up, echoing a nationwide schism over the boycott’s wisdom and growing worries about a Homeland Security crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Still, some immigrants were undeterred.
"I’d like them to legalize us, so my family can have a better life," said Eva Castillo, a Mexican restaurant worker and mother of three. "If God wants (immigration officials) to get us, that’s OK. This is more important than our fear."
Police and organizers estimate the rallies drew 40,000 to 50,000 statewide, with protests notably in Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Belle Glade and Pensacola. The work stoppage affected the state’s construction, nursery and farm industries, and drew criticism from both opponents and some advocates of giving immigrants more rights.
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, an Orlando Republican who supports measures that would put millions of immigrants on the path to citizenship, called the work stoppage "counterproductive."
"Boycotts, walkouts or protests are not going to get this done," he said. "This is an issue that isn’t going to get fixed on the streets; it’s going to take thoughtful action by Congress."
As they watched the protesters march down U.S. Highway 90, Quincy residents Jimmy and Alissa Thompson said they thought the immigrants should be allowed to stay in the country, but only if they pay taxes and assimilate.
"If you’re going to stay," Alissa Thompson said, "it should be mandatory that you apply for citizenship."
In the Big Bend, some employers worked in collaboration with their immigrant workers Monday.
Castillo’s husband, Jose Cabrera, took the day off from his construction job – with his employer’s permission.
But their two older sons could have been fired if they’d skipped work, Castillo said.
Some agriculture workers were more fortunate.
Local labor leader Evelia Menjivar said area farms had their employees work extra hours these past few days.
"They agreed to let their workers out early," said Menjivar, the regional director of United Farm Workers. "They are really pulling with us."
But recent immigration raids in Florida and the Midwest, during which hundreds of immigrants with criminal backgrounds were arrested, were blamed for the lower turnout.
When protesters reached the Gadsden County Courthouse, immigration activist Arturo Hernandez told them rumors of a crackdown in Quincy were overblown.
"We’ve looked into it, and we’ve seen absolutely nothing," he said. "That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful."