9/10/04: Hundreds of residents showed up to voice their opposition after the Mendota City Council and Federal Bureau of Prisons approved plans for a new federal prison in town.

While protesters marched outside, heated exchanges between Rodney Anderson of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and angry residents took place inside the council chambers. Town residents questioned whether the federal prison will mean boom or bust for the small agricultural community where almost two out of every five residents can't find work.

Anderson argued the prison could provide up to 350 jobs for "qualified applicants" -- those with a four-year degree or three years' experience in a supervising position, as well as passing a background and credit check. Residents countered that the prison is far too close to homes and their high school, and almost anything could improve the town more than a prison, even "a cemetery." Photos and video by Sun Mt.: 1 | 2