By Shelley Kofler
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-639504.mp3
Dallas, TX – Opponents of Irving's police policy of working with immigration say they'll ratchet up the pressure on city hall. That following emotional, competing protests on Saturday. KERA's Shelley Kofler has more.
At separate rallies, some 150 protested in favor of the Criminal Alien plan, in which Irving police help federal immigration officials identify and deport illegals.
Ten times as many marched nearby, claiming they're harassed because of the Plan.
As a next step, plan opponents say they'll go to court to replace Irving's current at-large council system with single member districts. Organizer Carlos Quintanilla says diversity among elected officials is needed.
Quintanilla 43 percent of the population of Irving is Hispanic and there is not one single Hispanic city council member, not a single member on their board of education.
Irving Mayor Herbert Gears says policy opponents can challenge the council structure.
Gears: "If it is important to the
Latino community to see someone from their culture on the council I completely understand that."
But Mayor Gears says Irving doesn't plan to change police policy for coordinating with immigration officials.
Shelley Kofler KERA News