Illegal Immigrant Supporters to March/Rally in Salem Today

Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Cottage Street NE, and Cottage Street NE between Court Street NE and State Street will officially close at 10:00 AM.

Thousands of illegal immigrant rights supporters are expected to be around the Oregon State Capitol Mall today for a rally and march.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Thousands of illegal immigrant rights supporters are expected to be around the Oregon State Capitol Mall today for a rally and march.

The rally, which is being call "The Immigrant Rights Rally," will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be Aware! that several downtown Salem streets will be CLOSED during the event.

Organizers say the event will show all Oregonians that there is still support for immigration reform and legalization of undocumented immigrants.

90,000 illegal aliens resided in Oregon as of 2000, according to INS figures. Also, some 30 groups will hold a march and rally in downtown San Diego today in support of illegal immigrants' rights that coincides with similar May Day events like the one in Salem.

Street Headaches:

Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Cottage Street NE, and Cottage Street NE between Court Street NE and State Street will officially close at 10:00 AM Thursday morning.

Beginning at 1:00 PM, additional rolling road closures will take place on the following streets:

• Cottage Street NE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE.
• Chemeketa Street NE between Cottage Street NE and 12th Street NE.
• Southbound 12th Street NE/SE between Chemeketa Street NE and Bellevue Street SE (Pringle Parkway SE).
• Westbound Bellevue Street SE (Pringle Parkway SE) between 12th Street SE and Winter Street SE.
• Winter Street SE between Bellevue Street SE (Pringle Parkway SE) and State Street.
• State Street between Winter Street NE and Waverly Street NE.
• Waverly Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE.

During these closures, detour routes are identified and will be posted as follows:

• Westbound Bellevue Street SE (Pringle Parkway SE) traffic will detour north on 12th Street NE/SE to Marion Street NE.
• Southbound 12th Street NE traffic will detour east on Center Street NE to 17th Street NE.

Motorists should avoid these areas, if possible, especially between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM and should expect traffic delays within a two-block radius surrounding the march route as well. It is anticipated that all streets will be reopened between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.