Protest of anti-illegal immigration group draws just 8, lasts less than hour

The small showing surprised organizers of the conference, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which featured 50 radio hosts at the Phoenix Park Hotel three blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

The protesters chanted “FAIR is a hate group,” and spokeswoman Natalie Arriola said the rally was organized to hit the group for being anti-immigrant. She said the rally would be repeated Thursday and that up to 20 people would participate. The protest was sponsored by the Center for Immigration Integrity.

They left less than an hour into the two-hour protest.

The FAIR radio convention drew lawmakers, experts, ranchers, law enforcement and media — including the Washington Examiner — to talk about the issue of legal and illegal immigration.

FAIR spokesman Ira Mehlman said the group was aiming to draw attention to the costs of illegal immigration and isn’t raising concerns “because we are mean.”

As the protest went on, guests of the radio stations from around the country continued to arrive for interviews at the hotel. “I don’t think they’re having any impact,” said Mehlman.

Inside, several of those impacted by illegal immigration made their case for greater law enforcement.

Arizona rancher John Ladd said his land that sits along 10 miles of the U.S. – Mexico border used to be crawling with illegal immigrants. But after the U.S. Border Patrol stationed more officers and technology on the international line, the problem dropped.

“It works,” he said of enforcing laws.

Pinal County, Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu added that he has seen an explosion of drug trafficking into the United States, despite historic drug busts by his deputies and others on the border. “They are becoming more aggressive,” he said.

Babeu is running for Congress and promised to lead the House in the fight against illegal immigrants.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]