Gloria Martinez Adams, one of several writers from Kansas City's Latino Writers Collective, was one of about 100 people who met Tuesday in South Park for an immigration rally. It was one of many across the country trying to bring attention to the issue.

Gloria Martinez Adams, one of several writers from Kansas City's Latino Writers Collective, was one of about 100 people who met Tuesday in South Park for an immigration rally. It was one of many across the country trying to bring attention to the issue.

Lawrence is well-known for its activists.

But with the exception of once or twice a year, Hispanic and immigrant rights issues take a back seat to other causes, such as gay rights, civil rights, homelessness and anti-war sentiments.

Phil Minkin, president of the Douglas County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said he hears few inquiries about Hispanic immigration matters.

“I guess we’re like a lot of other people – no one has spurred us to action,” Minkin said.

One possible reason is that Lawrence still has a small Hispanic population, likely because immigrants are finding more job opportunities in larger cities. Moreover, there is a fear about speaking out among illegal immigrants, one Kansas University official said.

In Lawrence, concerns about immigrants’ issues might be overshadowed by bigger Kansas cities, said Thad Holcombe, pastor at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave. There may be more jobs in other locations for immigrants.

“It’s really hard to gauge,” Holcombe said.

According to the 2005 census estimates, 3,263 Hispanics live in Lawrence, representing 4.4 percent of the population. In Lawrence schools, 4.6 percent of the 10,300 students are Hispanic, according to district spokeswoman Julie Boyle.

Across the state, though, Hispanics make up 8.4 percent of the total population. And 14.5 percent of the national population is Hispanic.

A study on the number of immigrants in Lawrence hasn’t been done for several years, said Brent Metz, assistant professor of anthropology who also is associated with Kansas University’s Center of Latin American Studies. And he thinks concern among illegal immigrants might be one reason immigrant issues are less visible in Lawrence.

Metz noted a recent forum about immigration issues at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Ky. Because there are several thousand Latinos in the area, he said he expected several hundred to attend – but only a few dozen did, he said.

“It’s kind of a tricky thing. Only when you get massive numbers do people feel safe to come out,” he said.

The Lawrence Latino Coalition was formed two years ago and has received a lot of attention in the community, Metz said.

“The issues are there, but I don’t think they are as politicized as, say, gay rights,” Metz said.