DENVER -- For the second straight year, thousands of immigrant rights supporters took to the streets of Denver for the Immigrant Day of Action, asking for a true, national reform package.

An estimated 5,000 people marched from Lincoln Park to Cuernavaca Park. They demanded an end to immigration raids they say have split up families. Many say a fair and humane approach to the immigration is badly needed.

Isla Diaz, 16, who had an American flag wrapped around her shoulders like a cape, said she was originally from Juarez, Mexico, but now, "I feel like I'm a part of this place."

"I feel like I want to stay here," said Diaz, who said she has been in the United States about six years. She declined to discuss her immigration status.

Diaz said she skipped high school to attend the rally.

Cabinetmaker Guillermo Gutierrez, 34, marched with his wife, Cecilia Salazar, 35, and carried his youngest child, a 3-year-old daughter. Gutierrez said he and his wife are illegal immigrants but the 3-year-old was a U.S. citizen by birth.

Gutierrez said their lives have become more difficult over the past year as Colorado's tougher new immigration laws took force, requiring proof of citizenship or legal residency to get many services.

He said the license plates on his car are in a friend's name because Gutierrez did not have the documents now required.

"It's like driving someone else's car all the time," said Gutierrez, who, like his wife, was wearing a University of Colorado baseball hat.

Gutierrez said he worries about losing his job because state immigration laws might keep him from getting another in Colorado.

Do These Marches Work?

Thousands of marchers hit the streets across the country and in Denver Tuesday, calling for immigration reform, but even immigration activists admit the marches can send a mixed message, creating a backlash against the immigrant community.

"Actually, I think the more noise illegal immigration activists make, the worse it is for their cause," said State Sen. Mike Kopp.

He says the rallies are lightning rods for policy change, because they remind people of the magnitude of the illegal immigration crisis, and the lack of border security.

After last year’s massive march, state lawmakers passed legislation targeting immigrants, and there have been a series of controversial immigration raids.

This year, the number of marchers was down, but organizers say that was expected because there was no national legislation to galvanize the community.

“Marches are really important,” said Gabriela Flora with the American Friends Service Committee. “They’re a critical part of the movement, but they’re only one part of the organizing that’s going on.”

Flora said organizers are working behind-the-scenes to build coalitions and educate the immigrant community.

Reaction To Rally

"Every time illegal aliens protest in the streets demanding special treatment, they lose just a little more credibility and support among the people," said Rep. Tom Tancredo, an outspoken critic of the country's immigration policies. "If I had my way, they would continue to hold these marches every month touting their native flags and flouting our laws. Each time Americans see those offensive images on their television sets, it only stiffens their opposition to amnesty and strengthens their resolve in demanding that their government enforce the law."

Sen. Ken Salazar said he has been working hard for the past four or five weeks on a comprehensive immigration reform package. Salazar probably won't sponsor the legislation but will support it, adding that he believes that bill could be introduced by the end of May.

"Like President Bush, I believe we must reform our immigration laws in a manner that meets America’s needs for the 21st century. I remain hopeful that in the coming weeks we will have a sensible and strong comprehensive immigration reform bill," Salazar said in a statement Tuesday. "As I said last year, I would hope people demonstrate during their off hours, not during work and school hours. I believe it's important for all kids to stay in school and for workers to stay at their jobs."

Last Year's Rally Drew Massive Crowd

Last year, huge rallies on March 25 and May 1 drew between 50,000 and 75,000 people.

"I think the size surprised people -- the number of people that were there. And the number of people that showed up. So that was a learning lesson for us," said Denver Police Department spokesman Sonny Jackson.

Police expect to staff the event with standard route coverage and don't expect to use special funds.

"There is no additional cost for this event. What it is, is on duty resources. That's what we're going to use. It doesn't cost us any more money," Jackson said. "It's just taking officers and putting them in the appropriate places."

Rally organizers said new state laws have made life more difficult for immigrants and they believe they need to get the attention of lawmakers in Washington as soon as possible.

"Because in August people will start campaigning for the presidential elections. And then it may be until 2010 before we see a reform," Parkey said. "So we have a window of opportunity right now."

The Immigrant Day of Action begans at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Park on Mariposa Street between 11th and 13th avenues. Several major streets in Denver were closed.

Click here to see a map of the route.