In 2005, Meza moved his family from Waukegan to Round Lake, citing mistreatment by the city's police because of the color of his skin. He returned on Monday to speak out against that treatment at a rally honoring a 21-year-old friend who was killed two years ago this month when his car was struck by a Waukegan police squad car.

“I think this is important for everyone, because if we don't stop (the mistreatment), things are going to keep happening,” Meza said. Meza was one of about two dozen protesters in downtown Waukegan Monday. They gathered to honor Wilson "Alex" Lopez-Ochoa, a former Waukegan resident of Honduran descent who died Feb. 7, 2005.

Lopez-Ochoa, was struck by the squad car of Waukegan Officer Michael Newman as he exited a laundromat parking lot in the 1800 block of Grand Avenue. Organizers of the protest are angered that Newman was never charged in the accident, despite the fact that he was traveling 10 miles over the speed limit and without his lights or sirens.

But Monday's gathering was more than a complaint about a traffic accident. It was a chance for residents to voice concern about what they say is continued mistreatment by Waukegan police. They are concerned with constantly being pulled over, and not being treated with respect by police. “We are tired of so much harassment (toward) the Hispanic community,” said Waukegan resident Wilber Matute, who was Lopez-Ochoa's soccer coach. “(Police) are being unfair.” Matute, a fellow Honduran, held a megaphone at the protest and led chants of “justice for all” and “justice for Alex.”

The protestors hoped to hold Waukegan police and Mayor Richard Hyde accountable for mistreatment of Hispanics, Meza said.

“Alex was a guy with no problems. Alex was a human being,” Matute said. “You need to have more respect for a human being.” A trial is scheduled to begin next month in the wrongful-death suit brought by Lopez-Ochoa's family against Newman and the city.

— February 27, 2007