Thousands march in Seattle for immigrant rights [View All]

[High Plains]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Immigration_Protest_Seattle.html


SEATTLE -- Thousands of people, some carrying signs saying "We are not criminals," marched Monday afternoon in support of immigrant rights.

Marchers waved American flags and carried other signs that read "We love America and we work very hard." The demonstration had an international flavor, with participants from places including Mexico, South America and Africa.

"I'm already a citizen; these people are not criminals," said Moulaye Sidibe, who said he is from the Ivory Coast. "If your grandparents had been through this, you know it's not the right way."

The marchers began at St. Mary's Church in Seattle's Central District and marched to an evening rally at the downtown Federal Building.

One organizer estimated the crowd at 15,000 although police would not offer an official estimate. Reporters in helicopters estimated the marchers stretched for a mile or more along city streets.