With the intent of drawing attention to illegal immigration in the city of Austin and neighboring communities, the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction has gone to the skies, using a small-engine airplane to broadcast messages during the Mower County Fair.

“I think of us as educators,” said Albert Lea resident Paul Westrum, one of the coordinators of the effort. “Yes, there is a problem, this is what we’re for and, if you don’t believe us, check it out for yourselves.”

Expected to make several trips around town before the close of the fair, the airplane was first seen Thursday evening with one of three messages that may appear this week.

“Keep America great deport illegals,” it read.

Westrum said he was approached with the idea by Mark Peterson, of Albert Lea, who covered its costs — about $300 an hour.

Westrum said the messages made their first appearances in Albert Lea during the Freeborn County Fair July 29 through Aug. 3. They will also run during the Steele County Fair, hosted in Owatonna, next week.

“We wanted to catch as many people as we can,” he said.

The coalition, which has worked to draw attention to illegal immigration statewide, will also sponsor a panel discussion mid-August in Austin, an event Westrum said will allow local residents to ask questions of visiting panelists.

“About 80 percent of the people in Austin are concerned about this issue,” he said. “We know who’s responsible for it, but the government won’t do anything about it.”

The town hall meeting is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 18 at Oak Park Mall, and will feature Susan Tully of the Federation for American Immigration; Ruthie Hendricks of the Minnesota Minuteman Project; and Dell Erickson, author of “More Impact Costs of Illegal Aliens on Minnesota.”

“They are people who will say things that won’t get us in trouble, yet they are educated about the issue,” Westrum said.

Westrum and his group sparked controversy last month in Albert Lea after a group of Hispanic teenagers threw rocks at a float the coalition sponsored in the Third of July parade.

One of rocks missed the float at hit a woman in the face, resulting in a broken collarbone, facial bruising and loose teeth.

The sign read: “Illegal immigrants cost jobs, hospitals and courts.”

The young Latinos were released to their parents after attempting to flee police, according to the Albert Lea Tribune. One has been charged with disorderly conduct, the July 9 article said.