Opposing Sides on Syrian Refugees Rally at Idaho Capitol

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — About 1,000 protesters and counter-protesters on opposite sides of the Syrian refugee resettlement issue demonstrated in front of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise on Saturday.

Officers with the Boise Police Department estimated the crowd on the pro-refugee side on the steps of the Capital at about 700, and counter protesters across Jefferson Street at about 300. About half a dozen officers appeared when the two sides started encroaching on Jefferson Street and impeding traffic, but otherwise reported no problems on the sunny November day.

Each side carried hand-lettered signs, with the pro-refugee group's signs saying "Refugees Still Welcome" and "Idaho Is Too Great For Hate." Counter protesters had signs that said "We Must End Refugee Programs" and "No Trojan Horses," a reference to potential terrorists slipping in with refugees.