SEATTLE -- What were supposed to be two separate protests by two opposing groups turned violent when the one group grew confrontational and threw balloons and beer bottles at its opposition on Saturday.

Some 200 people gathered to protest against what they claim is President Bush's support of a North American union which, the protesters claim, would eliminate U.S. sovereignty.

"Not every illegal immigrant is a criminal - we understand that, but we are allowing people into this nation who are doing us harm," said Jonnie Crivello, a protester.

The protesters gathered at the Seattle Center and marched down Third Avenue to the Federal Building. While rallied there, they were bombed with beer cans and balloons by counter-protesters who were holding their own rally, prompting police to intervene.

About 50 counter-protesters were present, claiming shutting down the border is a racist act.

"We say no human being is illegal and everybody - just by working here - automatically has the right to live here," said Jorge Torres, a counter-protester.

Police said many of their officers were hurt during the protests. No arrests were made.