Immigration-bill rally draws few

Maybe it was because it was such a nice spring day.

Maybe it's that — the 1999 WTO street protests notwithstanding — most demonstrations in Seattle are low-key.

But 15 protesters were all the state chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, and another group, Washingtonians for Immigration Reform, managed to rally in front of the downtown Federal Building on Monday.

The protesters, carrying such signs as, "SENATORS: DON'T BETRAY AMERICA. NO AMNESTY!" were largely ignored by the noontime passers-by more intent on their cellphone conversations.

This week, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would offer legal status to most of the nation's 12 million illegal immigrants, while tightening the borders.

Among those watching Monday's protest on the sidelines was Fred McCulloch, of San Juan Island. "I don't know what they're protesting," he said about the Minuteman group. "Are they for or against?'

Among those protesting was Leon Donahue, 73, a retired property manager from Tacoma. He said about the small turnout: "When it comes to politics, most Americans are out to lunch.' "

About as confrontational as it got on Monday was a short appearance by Jose Felix Espinoza, who spoke only in Spanish, and described himself as a resident alien from Mexico who's a singer and artist at the Pike Place Market.

He spoke in rapid Spanish and punctuated his remarks by blowing a whistle.

To this, the Minuteman protesters began chanting: "USA! USA! USA!"

The protesters presented petitions against the bill, with their total of 15 signatures, to representatives of U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray of Washington.

"We had no time to organize. We started this on Friday," said Larry Conley, a Bellevue software developer who runs the Web site for the state's Minuteman group. "It's all symbolic."

Despite the low turnout, Conley was cheered about how many people had called the offices of Murray or Cantwell to weigh in on the bill.

As of Monday, Murray's offices reported 4,213 calls against the bill, 186 for.

Cantwell's offices reported 1,178 against the bill, 84 for.

"That's too many calls to come from our group," Conley said. "We have maybe 100-plus members. "

Erik Lacitis: 206-464-2237