ORACLE, Ariz. (AP) – Dozens of protesters on both sides of the immigration debate showed up in a small town near Tucson on Tuesday after the sheriff said the federal government plans to transport about 40 immigrant children to an academy for troubled youths.
The rallies demonstrated the deep divide of the immigration debate. One group waved American flags, held signs that read “Return to Sender” and “Go home non-Yankees” and said they would block a bus that was supposed to arrive with immigrant children aboard. A few miles up the road, pro-immigrant supporters held welcome signs with drawings of hearts. The dueling groups each had about 50 people.
“We are not going to tolerate illegals forced upon us,” protester Loren Woods said.
Emily Duwel of Oracle said she did not want her town to be misrepresented by what she said was a minority of people against the children being housed here.
“I’m just concerned about these children who have had to escape worlds of incredible violence,” Duwel said.