[Glenn Van Zutphen, World News:] Protesters on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques say they will not back down despite an expected raid by United States government agents to evict them from a bombing range. CNN's Mike Boettcher is in Vieques and has our report.
[Mike Boettcher, Cnn Correspondent:] Even with the threat of imminent arrest, Vieques protesters weren't backing down. They were, in fact, reinforcing bringing in more food, water and influential support. About 20 Catholic priests and nuns, led by Puerto Rican bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio, came ashore with what the protesters hoped would be substantial political provisions the full backing of the Catholic Church. They got it.
[Bishop Alvaro Corrada Del Rio:] We will continue to stand with the people of Vieques, who are ready not to stop. Once we are arrested, we are going to move even in a greater scope of civil disobedience in Puerto Rico and in Vieques walking with the people of Vieques who have requested this from us.
[Boettcher:] A U.S. congressman even came to give support. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicagoan of Puerto Rican ancestry, insisted the White House should rethink any plans for a raid on the squatters of Vieques.
[Luis Gutierrez, U.s. House Member:] The president has to understand that he will have to accept, whether he wishes or not, moral responsibility for any injustice that occurs here and any breaking of the peace.
[Boettcher:] There was a federal presence, but less than in previous days. Two Navy ships which had been anchored off Vieques weren't there Wednesday. Only a lone Coast Guard cutter and a Navy helicopter kept vigil over the rebellious island. Mike Boettcher, CNN, Vieques, Puerto Rico.