HOUSTON -- Hundreds of immigrants and their supporters marched Saturday calling for a far-reaching immigration policy that allows undocumented workers to keep their families intact and bolsters the American economy.

About 300 to 400 participants beat drums, blew whistles and carried a variety of signs and banners, along with U.S. and Mexican flags, in the mile-or-so march from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Houston to a local park.

A group about 20 counter protesters gathered near the rally chanting "U.S.A! U.S.A!" and holding placards that read "Texas is not a Mexican colony" and "Employers of illegals...traitors to America!"

Some demonstrators on both sides shouted obscenities at each other, but a dozen police officers on horseback and less than 50 others on foot stood between the counter-protesters and the rally to keep order.

The Families for Freedom rally coincided with a national message Saturday from President Bush, who urged lawmakers in his weekly radio address to come together on immigration.