Day laborers told to gather elsewhere

For the first time in more than three years, dozens of day laborers are no longer gathering to wait for work in the parking lot at Culpeper Town Square along Bus. 29. That's because Centro Properties, the national company that owns the shopping center, has hired a private security firm to disperse the gathering of mostly Hispanic men.

A security officer with National Protective Services of Fredericksburg has been on site since Monday asking the day laborers "to simply move along," said the guard, who would not give his name. So far, he said Tuesday, no one has refused to comply.

As a result, the day laborers have moved elsewhere in the area, gathering in smaller groups across the highway on the fringes of various businesses.

Culpeper Police Chief Scott Barlow was not surprised that the situation in the Town Square cleared up as fast as it did.

"When people are asked to leave they normally will," he said.

Barlow said police met with the security officer and stand ready to assist if need be.

Meanwhile, across the street on the edge of parking lot at the Sleepy Hollow Motel, eight Hispanic men watched and waved as contractors' trucks passed them by.

"For everybody, it's bad because we aren't trying to do nothing, only wait for the job," said Marcos, a day laborer.