Organizers are now expecting up to 50,000 people to attend a rally at the Capitol on Monday in support of immigrants and immigration reform.
The rallies are part of a string of events nationwide. It’s being called the “National Day of Action,” and organizers are calling for supporters to wear white and take time off work or school if they can.
Permits to gather on the steps of the Capitol and in Veterans Park require an estimate for the number of people who might attend. The application initially said 5,000 but was raised Monday, just in case, organizers said.
“On March 25, we were hoping for 2,000 to 3,000, and we had close to 100,000,” said Gabriela Flora of the American Friends Service Committee, one of the organizers. “This time we want to be as informed as possible.”
Police estimated that about 50,000 people attended the March 25 rally. If another 50,000 people show up for Monday’s gathering, it will be the largest ever held on the Capitol steps, according to the Capitol permitting office.
State Patrol officers patrol the Capitol and Veterans Park, the park between Lincoln and Broadway, said Master Sgt. Jim Gilbert.
Preparations for the event are still in the works, but Gilbert expects the staffing will at least double. It’s also possible the patrol will close the circle driveway on the west side of the Capitol.
“We had advance intel that this could possibly happen based on the events that have been occurring,” Gilbert said.
Organizers say the comprehensive immigration reform they seek includes a path to citizenship, family reunification, allowing travel to home countries, decreasing visa backlogs, protecting workers and accommodating future immigrants.
Staff writer Elizabeth Aguilera can be reached at 303-820-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com.
