February 11th, 2025

Among those protesting in support of immigrant rights Feb. 9 along Pacific Boulevard at Waverly Park in Albany were a number of local  Democrats, including from left, Sam Leonard, Rachelle Lipp, Susan Leonard, Ashley Sisneros and Mark Leonard.

Crowd turns out in support of immigrant rights

  More than 80 people turned out Feb. 9 for an afternoon protest in support of immigrant rights. It took place on Pacific Boulevard at Waverly Park and along the sidewalk across the boulevard. Participants held signs, and passing motorists honked in support.
  Many Linn County Democrats were among the protesters, including Linn Dems Chair Ben Watts. "I'm out to support the people who have come here that want to make our country a better place and that our government seems to be targeting right now," he said. "I want them to be safe and treated fairly in this country."
  Ken Beiser of Albany held a sign that read "Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants."  "I'm scared for the people in this country who helped us get where we are," Beiser said. "I think (they're) illegally and certainly not morally being targeted by the government. It's important for us to tell our community that discrimination and hate are not American values." 
   The protest was organized by a high school activist, who had this to say in advance of the event:  “We are protesting for immigration rights because our system is unjust and built to keep people out rather than help them build a better life. It tears families apart, criminalizes those seeking safety and opportunity, and traps people in an endless cycle of red tape, discrimination, and exploitation. Instead of creating a fair and humane process, the system prioritizes politics, racism, and money over human lives. Immigrants contribute to our communities in countless ways, yet they are treated as less than human. Everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity, security, and opportunity, and I refuse to stay silent while injustice continues.” 
   —  Graham Kislingbury, Linn County Democrats