Whatcom County residents march for immigration policy change

PETER JENSEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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BELLINGHAM - More than 150 Whatcom County residents marched through the streets of downtown Friday, May 1, to voice their opinion on U.S. immigration policy and advocate ending workplace raids for illegal immigrants.

The rally began at Maritime Heritage Park and continued to the Whatcom County Courthouse before ending at Cornwall Park.

The rally was one of hundreds held across the United States Friday. It came at poignant time in the debate on reforming federal immigration policy, said Rosalinda Guillen, the executive director of Community to Community Development.

President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office passed on Wednesday, and the first workplace raid of his administration took place in Bellingham at Yamato Engine Specialists Ltd. on Feb. 24.

Workers who were arrested in that raid and have since been released carried a banner and led the marchers through downtown.

"We do have a president that's ready to listen," Guillen said. "But we need to speak out. It takes all of us being together in this march."

One man tried to rile up the marchers by carrying a sign that read, "End the illegal invasion," and "America burns, Obama fiddles." He shouted during speeches by Guillen, Marie Marchand, the executive director of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, and Victor Rodriguez of Mount Vernon.

The marchers responded by shouting "si se puede," which loosely translates to English as "yes, we can," over the man.

Bellingham resident Jane Showalter, 21, joined the march because she wants to see the workplace raids end and the U.S. to stop participating in the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"It feels really important," Showalter said. "We need to show solidarity and support for those that are facing injustice on the part of our government."