Over five hundred hispanic students protest immigration laws in Los Angeles

March 24, 2006 On the day before a large rally planned in downtown Los Angeles, hundreds of Latino Los Angeles high school students staged a walkout this Friday to protest proposed federal legislation that calls for building a 700-mile-long fence along the Mexican-American border and cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Students carried red, green, and white ballons, and shouted cheers of "Viva Mexico!". Protestors claimed that the new laws were unfair to immigrants, both legal and illegal. They stated that "...this country was built by the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants..." Students were urged by activists and community groups to stage a walk out during classes.

The protest was relatively peaceful, resulting in a few traffic jams, and one arrest. One man was arrested for throwing bottles at police officers, although it is unknown whether or not the man was a student.

This walkout is one among similar other protests as the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to begin debate next week on motions to toughen immigration laws in the United States. It is estimated that 11 million illegal immigrants reside within U.S. borders.