(4 Jul 1996) English/Nat
Independence Day demonstrations in Los Angeles have turned violent.
Two groups taking opposing views on measures to curb illegal immigration clashed on the LA streets.
Six people were hurt before police moved in to separate the protesters.
What started as a pair of Fourth of July demonstrations quickly turned ugly, as protesters clashed over the volatile issue of immigration.
Police had to separate the groups after fists, picket signs and soda cans flew, spilling blood and inflaming tensions.
SOUNDBITE:
"I shouted over to them, I said, "What do you have - an argument or bricks", and about two seconds later I got my answer."
SUPER CAPTION: Martin Francis, Anti-immigrant Demonstrator
SOUNDBITE:
"They chased one of my companions away, I was just standing there with a flag, didn't say anything to anybody, got hit over the head, knocked to the ground. Fortunately there was an RTD bus standing right there - I was able to run right into the bus and escape...otherwise I don't know where I'd be."
SUPER CAPTION: Bob Schwartz, Anti-immigrant Protester
One group at the federal building in the uptown area of Westwood was protesting in favor of immigration curbs.
They say immigration has spawned crime, unemployment and gang activity in their neighborhoods and throughout the country.
SOUNDBITE:
"I'm here today because our country's being invaded by immigrants who are like cancer cells - they're multiplying and destroying everything this country stands for."
SUPER CAPTION: Alicia Langford, Anti-immigrant Demonstrator
Counter-demonstrators sought to expose the anti-immigrant protesters as racists.
SOUNDBITE:
"They have signs saying "Mexicans equal drug abusers, thugs, gangs" - it's pure racism and they're trying to disguise it with these American flags on the Fourth of July - but we see right through it."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop
Along with a complement of liberal college students, the pro-immigrant rally contained members of radical Hispanic groups, which seek to reclaim land once belonging to Mexico.
SOUNDBITE:
"We're here to say that before this was taken over, stolen by the United States this was Mexico and it still is Mexico, and we have every right here."
SUPER CAPTION: Agustin Sevada, Pro-immigrant Protestor
Others were outraged that, on this holiday, Americans are divided along racial lines.
SOUNDBITE:
"I'm very very angry because today is the Fourth of July, it's a day that all Americans of all ethnicity should gather together in unity, in friendship, and not in hostility, not in hatred, because all of us have contributed to the richness, to the greatness of this country."
SUPER CAPTION: Rudy Pisni, Spokesman, Coalition for Humane Immigrants' Rights
California, with its large Hispanic population, has been a flashpoint for immigration issues for years.
A controversial law passed in 1994 denies health benefits and public education to illegal immigrants.
The law is facing a court challenge and has not been enacted.
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