Hundreds rally in Tel Aviv to protest expulsion of migrant workers

About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv Saturday to protest the recent expulsion of migrant workers and refugees by Israel's immigration authorities.

This was the third such protest in the three weeks since the newly created "Oz" immigration force began carrying out raids and arrests in areas populated by migrant workers.

The protesters, who were joined by a number of the city's migrant workers and refugees, planned to march toward Levinsky Park in Tel Aviv, where a larger rally was scheduled for Saturday night. Police were deployed at the rally to maintain order.

The protest's organizers said that many migrant workers and refugees were expected to join the protest, where demonstrators carried signs reading "Let out children be" and "Expel the pimps, not the children."

Four-and-a-half-year-old Joey said he was at the rally because he did not want to be expelled from Israel. Joey was born in Israel after his mother, Cora, a migrant worker from the Philippines, came to Israel to work as a home aide. Her status changed after her employer passed away, and the two now face expulsion from Israel.

Hadash MK Dov Khenin called for Israel to immediately end bringing in more migrant workers while expelling others, and said he is confident more politicians will join the struggle.

"Politicians must understand that we are talking about a sensitive ethical issue that requires a struggle," said Khenin. "I have a feeling that at the next rally I won't be the only MK in attendance."

According to the Immigration Ministry, more than 250,000 illegal foreign workers live in Israel.

The new task force plans to concentrate responsibilities previously divided among a number of government offices. For instance, it will offer migrants legal protection (previously under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor) as well taking over responsibilities from the police for the detainment and deportation of illegals.