Las Cruces protesters demand police reform for 3rd weekend in a row

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A group of about 45 protesters marched from the Plaza de Las Cruces to the Mesilla Plaza Saturday afternoon, demanding police reform for the third weekend in a row.

"I was born with this skin," said Jean-Pierre Reinhold, a Las Cruces resident. "Did I experience racism? Yes. But you don't have to experience it yourself to feel it."

Protesters held signs that read "hate is a disease," "black lives matter," and "no justice, no peace."

Mesilla police officers were on scene, but the protest was peaceful.

Reinhold told ABC-7 he does not think the solution to ending police brutality is defunding law enforcement.

"I call the police if i'm in trouble and rely on the police," Reinhold explained. "We want to make sure - maybe redirect the funds - (to avoid) a more weaponized, militarized police. To make a more educated police. Because we all need police."