Reform Immigration For America sponsors rally in downtown Las Vegas

The "Rally for America" event held to bring attention to comprehensive immigration reform kicked off at noon Saturday with about 1,000 attendees, many of whom traveled from other states such as California and Arizona.

People were still streaming into the event in front of the Lloyd Geoge U.S. Courthouse on Las Vegas Boulevard, which is closed between Clark and Bridger avenues.

There was a noticable police presence but no counter-protests had been spotted early on. Police cruisers were parked at both ends of Clark and Bridger, and police patrolled on bike, foot and horseback.

Reform Immigration For America, the rally's sponsor, said it had hired security for the three-hour event.

"We just want to make sure everyone feels comfortable with what's going on," said Temo Figueroa, who is handling the event for the group.

"Immigration Reform has been put on the shelf for too long. It's time to bring the issue to light," said Fernando Romera, outreach direcotr for the Southern Nevada Chapter of the immigration group. "We need a system that is just, fair and equitable."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is scheduled to speak at the event along with Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.