CARLSBAD, Calif. -- A forum in Carlsbad on illegal immigration drew hundreds of demonstrators with very different views on the issue Thursday night, leading to shouting matches and jeers.

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IMAGES: Tempers Flare At Immigration Forum
DISCUSS: Illegal Immigration

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The event, called "The Illegal Immigration Crisis," was organized by state Sen. Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside, and called for tighter security along to California-Mexico border. Morrow, Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo and other speakers argued that the federal government is not doing enough to prevent people from crossing the border illegally. Many of those attending the event adamantly agreed.

"If we keep those borders open, we're going to be letting killers into the country," Anthony Porrell said.

"Illegal immigration is wrong. It is destroying our state," Orange County resident Lupe Moreno said. "It is robbing our children's future and their education. It's robbing our citizens of their jobs."

The forum took place in an auditorium at Carlsbad High School, which could hold only 400 people. Hundreds more had to remain outside, where they debated the issue angrily. Many people showed up to denounce the tone of the forums, saying it only inflamed anti-immigrant passions without proposing any concrete solutions.

"These are people who are presenting only one side, and that's the side of racism, fear and ignorance," Enrique Morones said.

"It's important to have a balanced, objective discussion in order to resolve this issue, not just add more fuel to the fire," Christian Ramirez said.

Carlsbad school officials anticipated that passions would run high, and at one point they canceled the event, fearing that it could lead to violent clashes between immigration rights activists and those who favor a crackdown on illegal residents. But officials allowed the forum to take place as scheduled after Morrow initiated a lawsuit against the district.

Dozens of police in riot gear kept demonstrators from clashing physically, but there were plenty of angry shouts and jeers. One group of demonstrators carried a banner saying "The Workers Struggle Has No Borders." Another groups shook their fists at immigrants rights activists and chanted, "We'll send you back!"

"I see the immigrants as basically rats leaving a sinking ship," forum attendee Marty Warren said.

"Illegal people are not criminals," Micaela Saucedo said. "They just come here to work."

Carlsbad police officials anticipated a large crowd, so they requested help from several other departments. The San Diego Police Department sent more than 60 officers. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department also sent officers, as did police departments from several other nearby cities. Many officers wore protective uniforms and helmets and carried riot batons as they marched back and forth between opposing groups of demonstrators.

No arrests were reported.