Immigrants protest Madison bill, calling it “A Day Without Latinos”

Thousands showed up at the Rotunda

It’s called “A Day Without Latinos,” a rally by immigrant workers that has brought thousands of demonstrators to the State Capitol in Madison today. 

Video shot from inside the capitol building today of protester gathering in the rotunda, chanting “Si se puede,” which essentially means, “Yes we can.”  

Republican legislative leaders insist they’re not targeting Latinos or anybody else with the proposals.  

Inside the rotunda, before Capitol Police made me move #daywithoutlatinos pic.twitter.com/6YnB1oXvfD

— Andrew Beckett (@abeckettwrn) February 18, 2016

La Crosse Rep. Jill Billings has watched the crowds. She says a bill affecting Latinos and other immigrants could have less impact in her district than in other parts of the state.

“People who need that workforce – a lot of dairy farmers need that workforce and that’s why I see a lot of impact in my area,” Billings said.

Withholding IDs to immigrants could keep them from getting work and may put them at risk of deportation.