Luis Ramirez, a 25-year-old Mexican immigrant, was beaten to death by four high school football players as he walked home in Shenandoah, Pa., last month. The murder shocked this town of about 5,500 in the heart of anthracite coal country, and it made national news, as immigrants’ groups protested and the FBI launched a hate-crime investigation.

This is not the first incidence of ethnic tension in the region. Shenandoah is less than 20 miles from Hazleton, which in 2006 passed a controversial law aimed at illegal immigrants. Now, many in the region are seeking to heal the divisions by holding vigils at churches in and around Shenandoah, and at the playground where the fatal beating took place. Shenandoah’s public schools will hold tolerance and anti-bullying programs when classes begin in the fall.

Many in the area blame Halzeton’s anti-immigration ordinance and Mayor Lou Barletta for exacerbating the tensions. Barletta, who is running for Congress, called the beating a tragedy. So far there is no sign as to how the tragedy will affect his bid, but it has drawn more attention to the simmering tension in this economically-depressed region.

Suspect Brandon Piekarsky is escorted to court. AP Photo.