(CNN) -- Jury selection begins Monday in the federal hate crime case against two Pennsylvania men who are accused of fatally beating a Mexican immigrant while shouting racial epithets at him. An all-white jury last year convicted Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak of misdemeanor simple assault, but acquitted them of felony counts including aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation and hindering apprehension. The 2008 beating of Luis Ramirez and its aftermath divided the small, rural mining town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, along racial lines and drew national attention. After the verdict, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recommending the Justice Department pursue civil rights charges.
@highlight
Two men are accused of beating a Mexican immigrant following a night of drinking
@highlight
If convicted, they could face life in prison
@highlight
The case has divided a rural mining town and drawn national attention
@highlight
Attorneys for the defendants say the government is trying to politicize the case
Prosecutors alleged he delivered a fatal kick to @placeholder's head after Ramirez was knocked to the ground in the alcohol-fueled brawl on a residential Shenandoah street.