Labor Center protest

Laguna Beach Day Labor Center opponents complained again to the City Council Tuesday about the continued operation of the site, while protesters demonstrated outside City Hall.

The opponents have been attending council meetings to berate the city for not closing the center, which they said draws illegal immigrants. They also contend that the laborers are being exploited by employers.

“Illegal immigrants are turned into slaves,” said Ted Hayes, a Los Angeles advocate for the homeless. “As a descendant of slaves, I will not allow anyone to make anyone a slave. Close down that site.”

Eileen Garcia of Laguna Beach said an evening demonstration will be held and requested use of the tables and benches on the site. She left the council chamber before getting an answer.

Jennifer Abrigo said Laguna Beach is just a part of a bigger issue.

“The day labor site is a magnet for illegal immigrants,” Abrigo said. “They work in the mansions of the elite, but they live in my neighborhood, bringing crime and graffiti.”

Nine opponents of the site, including Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist — natty in suit and tie despite the sweltering weather — spoke at the meeting.

“I can tell I am offending some council members,” Orange resident Ron Bell said. “I do that a lot. I come here to tell the truth. I am an American, and I am sick and tired of what I see in our country.”

Day Labor Center critics said they are not motivated by racism.

“I am not a racist,” Day Labor Center opponent Anglina Ibbotson said. “If I am, tell me what part: the Spanish part? the Filipino part? the Chinese part or the French Polynesian part?”

Robin Hvidston, a Lake Forest protester, said Laguna Beach is bucking a trend by continuing to allow the center to operate. She said cities across the country are working with the Minuteman Project.

“What you are doing is old-fashioned,” Hvidston said.

The City Council has declined to close the site and is in the process of leasing it from Caltrans, action taken after it was disclosed the parcel was state-owned, not city property, and no permit had been issued for its use as a labor center.

The council did not respond to the request to close the site, which was not on the meeting agenda.