On, Friday, April 7 about 120 people, mostly from the Latino/a community gathered at El Gigante Supermall to be bused to a demonstration for immigration rights. Nearly 3 bus loads then proceeded to the West Michigan office of Senator Stabenow on the East Beltline. Upon arrival it was discovered that the Senator’s office was closed with a sign that said they were at meetings somewhere in the community. The community responded with frustration and comments like “I took off from work to meet with my elected officials. Why aren’t they working?”
One of the organizers from the Michigan Organizing Project attempted to reach Senator Stabenow’s staff in Lansing and in Washington via cell phone. While attempting to speak with a legislative assistant the news media surround the MOP organizer hoping to get the conversation on tape. Some representatives from the news media became frustrated with the tactics of MOP, which included limiting reporters to talking with only a few representatives. MOP made it clear that they did not want just anyone to talk with the media, since many people were afraid of being identified in news coverage and losing their jobs. The channel 13 reporter asked “is that because they are illegal?” The MOP organizer responded “this is exactly why we don’t want you talking to just anyone, because you ask inappropriate questions.” The channel 13 reporter then turned to her camera man and told him to get more footage of the people there.
Once the corporate media left the organizers addresses the crowd again and asked people what they would say to Senator Stabenow now? People yelled out many responses, but particularly that unless she took a strong stance with the immigrant community they would not support her in the November election. People said they felt disrespected since all week they have been trying to get Senator Stabenow to respond to their call for taking a stand on this issue. In addition, people were reminded of the week long boycott of certain US companies and encouraged to shop at Latino/a stores only. MOP organizers also told demonstrators that they were planning a non work day on May 1, if the anti-immigrant legislation went through.
