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SALT LAKE CITY -- Legislators behind one of the most talked about immigration bills held a rally at the Capitol Wednesday.
After the speakers finished at the podium, both supporters and protesters started arguing. Then it got a little physical with some pushing and shoving. State troopers had to intervene.
Officers say that's never happened before. It's proof of the passion people feel for this issue. Gary Welch is in support of the bill. He said, "Illegal is illegal. There's a way to do it legally."
Sam Rangel, with the group United for Social Justice, said, "It's just a theater puppet show. They're trying to sell fear to people."
Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, introduced a new Latino member of the Utah Coalition on Illegal Immigration. Arturo Morales-Llan is a legal immigrant who wants to see our system reformed. He believes everyone should go through process like he did.
"That day when I took the oath of allegiance, I swore that I would support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America," he said.
He hopes those laws will be strengthened soon with Sandstrom's bill.
"The Utah immigration enforcement act is alive and well in the state of Utah," Sandstrom told the crowd, amid cheers. He maintains that his bill would target only illegal immigrants committing crimes. The crowd had mixed feelings about that.
Ted Lee was at the rally. He said, "I also realize that a lot of these folks that come here illegally are trying to better their lives for their families. I'm OK with that, but they got to come here legally."
Protester Melodia Gutierrez said, "This bill, which doesn't have a fiscal note on it, is going to cost so much to defend, to implement, to create databases for; and all of that money is going to go to that, rather than funding education."
The coalition says Sandstrom's reform bill would help even out who gets in the country. Members say it's unfair that Mexicans overwhelmingly come to the states.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
