(March 28, 2006) -- Amid multiple Mexican flags and some racially oriented chants, hundreds of LB High School students -- joined by some Middle School students -- walked off their campuses for a second day in a row. The students marched through parts of the city, protesting proposed legislation that would tighten federal immigration laws.

Students above are southbound on Palo Verde approaching Spring St.

Campuses affected again spanned ELB, WLB, NLB and Central LB. Similar walk-outs were also reported in L.A., Wilmington and Compton. At about noon, a large group of students converged in downtown LB.

At midday, LBUSD spokesman Chris Eftychiou indicated that today's (March 28) student walkouts numbered roughly (very rough initial estimate) several hundred students combined from Wilson, Poly & Cabrillo...plus approx 120 from Millikan, 50 from Lakewood High & 150 from Jordan High.

At roughly 9:00 a.m., students marched through the ELB Plaza neighborhoods in and around Millikan High.

Sign says, "If you think I'm illegal because I'm a Mexican, learn the true history because I'm in my HOMELAND.''

As the marchers approached Spring Street, we heard chants of "Brown rights, that's right" and "Viva La Raza."[Long live The Race].

Many carried Mexican flags...and we asked why. "Read your history, man," one said contemptuously. Another chimed in, "They're our ancestors." Don't you feel like Americans, we asked. One laughed; another replied, "They want to make us criminals."

The protests snarled traffic. This was westbound Spring Street approaching Palo Verde at about 8:50 a.m.

Protesters headed toward Millikan High School.

LBPD was visible in force, keeping watch.

LBUSD staff stood outside the Millikan entrance, trying to reassure students about to enter campus (as their parents watched the peaceful but seemingly uncontrollable protests outside).

LBUSD has confirmed that some Middle School students are now involved. Hill Middle school reported the largest group within that age group departing (about 100-130), but in most cases Middle School walk-outs numbered between 20-30, and sometimes fewer, LBUSD spokesman Eftychiou said.

This group appeared to be mainly Middle School students and headed south on Bellflower Blvd. toward Spring St. at about 11:00 a.m.

Why are you carrying Mexican flags, we asked students who appeared to be of Middle School age. One responded, "Because we're Mexican." But aren't you American, we pressed. "I'm Mexican to the max," the teenager shot back.

Photo left is at Bellflower/Spring.