SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. -- A rally against illegal immigration was held Saturday afternoon on the steps of the courthouse in Springfield.

Channel 4's Laura McPherson was at the rally and reported that leaders of the American People Organization said they planned the event because they said they are fed up with illegal immigration.

"Springfield has an immigration problem, and we're just here to make people aware of the problem -- let them know that the American people know what's going on, and we are here to take back America," the Rev. T.J. Graham said. "They need to shut that border off and send everybody back. I don't care what it takes."

Graham said this wasn't an issue of hate or discrimination.

"Hey, you want to come here -- do it legally. Assimilate -- pack your bags and catch the first thing smoking," Graham said.

He said, like in a lot of larger cities, Springfield has seen an increase in the number of illegal immigrants who have moved to the area.

"A few dozen people showed up for this rally. They say they are very concerned about this issue, and some say they are also concerned about who did not show up for today's event," Graham said. "It's no doubt in my mind that they have drained the system, and that our government has turned a deaf ear, even the leadership in Robertson County. You don't see any aldermen, you don't see the mayor; you don't see anybody," Graham said.

Organizers said that's why they also encouraged people to register to vote because come election day, they said they won't need a microphone to have their voices heard.

Economic and other social issues such as health care and jobs were also topics discussed at Saturday's rally, organizers said.