Pilsen March Protests War, Supports Immigrant Rights

Tens of thousands will kick off St. Patrick's Day celebrations early this weekend at the annual downtown parade today and South Side parade tomorrow -- but about 2,500 are expected to march in Pilsen today for a different reason: protesting the war in Iraq and advocating for immigrant rights.

Endorsed by nearly 100 local activist organizations and groups for peace, a rally to mark the 6th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq will begin at noon today at South Marshall Boulevard and West 22nd Street, three blocks from the California Pink line stop. A procession through Pilsen along Damen Avenue and 18th Street will follow.

But protesters almost lost their right to march this year. Activists filed for a permit Jan. 5 -- well in advance of the march date -- but the city denied their initial request, citing that the proposed route would disrupt traffic and public transportation.

A rep from the Department of Transportation also said the city could not handle two marches -- both the downtown St. Pat's parade and one in Pilsen -- on the same day. He proposed March 7 as an alternative date and tried to strike 18th Street from the route.

After a two-month-long slew of hearings, court dates, an appeals process and subsequent suits, the protesters won the right to march because the city violated a requirement of its own ordinance -- it failed to send a denial letter to protesters by both mail and phone or fax within five business days.

Next weekend, protesters calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and for immigration reform at home will take their march to Washington. A march on the Pentagon will take place March 21.