Immigration control activists in Farmingville and Freeport joined in a nation-wide protest Saturday organized by a Connecticut anti-immigration group.

Protesters called for tougher enforcement of immigration laws and tighter patrolling of U.S. borders. They say day laborers, who are mostly illegal aliens, take work away from citizens and damage the economy by not paying taxes.

About 31 groups in 20 states participated in the protest, which was organized by the Connecticut Citizens for Immigration Control. The protest comes as Congress is poised to discuss major immigration reform proposals.