Boycott called off

Immigrant-rights activists have rejected plans for an economic boycott of Costa Mesa businesses.

A group of local labor unions and Latino activists in February called for a boycott to begin Saturday if the Costa Mesa City Council did not abandon its plan to train police for immigration enforcement.

The council has not reversed its decision, but Santa Ana activist Nativo Lopez ? who led the group threatening the boycott ? issued a written statement at Saturday’s protest rally in Costa Mesa canceling the boycott.

Lopez had planned to give business owners signs that show they oppose the city’s immigration plan. Business that did not display the signs would be the target of the boycott.

According to Lopez’s statement, businesses, residents, young people and religious organizations have spoken out strongly against the immigration plan, apparently making the boycott unnecessary.

“We intend to unite still broader sectors of the city and work to remove [Costa Mesa Mayor Allan] Mansoor and his allies from political office in the next city elections,” the statement said. “[He] has abused his authority and sought to impose a narrow political agenda that does not conform to the will of the majority.”