OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A rally outside Omaha’s courthouse protested what participants say are government policies that protect immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Between 30 and 40 people attended the rally Friday, which was timed to coincide with a closed court hearing for 20-year-old Sergio Martinez-Perez.

Martinez-Perez is charged with first-degree murder in the July rape and beating death of 93-year-old Louise Sollowin in her home. Authorities say Martinez-Perez is a Mexican national in the country illegally.

Speakers at the rally included state Senator Charlie Janssen, a Republican candidate for governor, and Republican Iowa U.S. Representative Steve King. Both men have been vocal about their opposition to granting legal status to immigrants now here illegally.

Rally organizers are demanding that the Nebraska Legislature pass a measure “barring local sanctuary policies across the state.”