IMMIGRATION PROTESTS ROLL ON FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO LATE STUDENT.

Byline: Rachel Uranga Staff Writer

Friends and family of a teenager who committed suicide after he was allegedly threatened with jail for ditching school to participate in an immigration protest led thousands of demonstrators through downtown streets to City Hall on Saturday.

Variously estimated at 1,500 to 10,000, the group of demonstrators waved U.S. flags and denounced federal legislation that would quicken deportations, tighten border security and make illegal immigrants into felons.

``We are standing up for our rights; it's a new day for the Hispanic and Latino community,'' said Cindy Cruz, an 18-year-old senior at Manuel Arts High School. ``A lot of people said the only reason we (students) did walkouts was to get out of school. Well, it's Saturday, and we still care.''

Organizers say the march was held in memory of Anthony Soltero, a 14-year-old Ontario boy who killed himself March 30, two days after a pro-immigrant walkout by De Anza Middle School students.

Soltero's family say a vice principal told the boy that he could face three years in jail; school officials said the boy was told he could be barred from an eighth-grade dance or a field trip, and that they believe he cut class with friends the day of the walkout but skipped the protest.

Organizers estimated Saturday's crowds at 8,000 to 10,000, but one police estimate was 1,500. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Chanting ``amnistia'' to the beat of drums, demonstrators streamed down Broadway, past shops and vendors hawking $1 American flags and headbands that read ``estamos unidos,'' Spanish for ``we are united.''

Along the route, people handed out flyers in Spanish and English calling for a May 1 boycott of all schools and businesses in support of amnesty and full rights for all immigrants, of whom an estimated 11 million to 12 million live in the United States illegally.

``This is a prelude to the boycott,'' said organizer Yecica Garcia, an 18-year-old senior at Venice High School and a Mexican immigrant. ``We have been showing our might, and, when the boycott comes, it will only go further.''

Many of the marchers were under 30, Latino and the children of immigrants. Many came with their parents.

Ivy Machin, a 16-year-old daughter of Cuban and Mexican immigrants, wore a red, white and green sequin dress representing the Mexican flag. She carried a red flag to symbolize revolution.

``Just because we are underage doesn't mean that we don't know what is going on,'' she said.

She criticized a compromise proposal that would have offered citizenship to illegal immigrants who have been in the United States at least five years, saying it was meant to divide the immigrant community. ``They are trying to turn immigrants against each other,'' Machin said.

Holding signs reading in English and Spanish ``Stop the abuse against Mexicans'' and ``Working is not a crime,'' the demonstrators marched to the steps of City Hall, where a pro-immigration rally three weeks ago drew 500,000 people and government leaders, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

On Saturday from the City Hall steps, State Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, urged the students to continue their activism.

``You have the right to protest because it is you that you are protesting for. ... You also have the responsibility to study hard, to make your parents proud, to vote,'' he said.

Students had been criticized by Cardinal Roger Mahony and Villaraigosa after an estimated 25,000 across the region walked out of class, costing the Los Angeles Unified School District nearly $1 million.

Disc jockey Eduardo ``Piolin'' Sotelo, who promoted the March 25 rally over Spanish-language station KCSA-FM 101.9, drew cheers from Saturday's crowd with statements echoing Cedillo's. ``Now, students, we need to vote,'' Sotelo said.

Among the marchers were Patricia Medina, a 31-year-old factory worker who came to the United States alone at age 15, and her four American-born daughters ages 8 to 13.

``Many of these children have not seen their family because they cannot cross the border,'' said Medina, who skipped work Saturday to participate. ``We want our children to have a better future.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Thousands of protesters continue their opposition of immigration proposals in a march against immigration legislation along Broadway on Saturday in downtown L.A.

(2) Roberto Charies of West Covina marches against immigration legislation at City Hall on Saturday.

Matthew Simmons/Special to the Daily News