Seven opponents of Arizona's tough new immigration law were arrested Thursday after they sat in the middle of a busy intersection and unfurled a massive banner that said "We will not comply."
The protesters blocked the intersection for about two hours before they were arrested on charges of obstructing a public thoroughfare following two federal hearings over whether the law should be blocked. No ruling was issued.
Phoenix Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos said the protesters were peaceful and did not resist arrest.
"They were given numerous orders to leave and stop impeding traffic. Obviously they didn't do that," Martos said.
Television images showed police officers in riot gear standing in front of the intersection as demonstrators were detained and taken away for booking. The demonstrators wore white T-shirts that read "We will not comply" and were restrained with plastic zip ties.
Before the hearings, opponents gathered in prayer and carried paper doves attached to plants representing olive branches, a symbol of peace. Three people carried a massive sign calling on President Barack Obama to block the law, and others beat on a drum while singing and dancing.
Some drivers honked their horns as they passed by, before police shut the street down.
Some supporters of the law waved signs and clutched American flags, and about a half dozen had handguns hanging from their hips.
One woman carried a poster that said, "Citizenship is a privilege not a right." It had U.S. map that with hearts over the states that are reportedly considering adopting measures like Arizona's.
Overcast skies and a strong breeze gave everyone a break from typically searing heat, but rare humidity made some sweaty and uncomfortable.
RollerCam posted at 12:22 pm on Thu, Jul 22, 2010.
It wasn't that long ago that anti-illegal immigration protesters, calmly standing on a corner in Los Angeles, were brutally beaten by Mexican nationals who were illegally residing in California.
It sounds like the "Pro-1070" people in AZ have decided that they WILL NOT become the victims of these violent, pro-illegal alien, anti-1070 goons.
Good for them.
devils66 posted at 11:08 pm on Thu, Jul 22, 2010.
I'm willing to bet that some of these protesters that were arrested have never even read the bill, much less read anything at all.
Masterrogue666 posted at 7:42 am on Fri, Jul 23, 2010.
"The protesters blocked the intersection for about two hours before they were arrested on charges of obstructing a public thoroughfare following two federal hearings over whether the law should be blocked. No ruling was issued." -- Wow. They block traffic/break the law for two hours, and finally get arrested. I recall people complaining the MCSO held two guys for two hours while they provided REQUIRED documentation.
It just shows that the pro's have NO RESPECT for the laws of our country. Remember the refried beans incident....
Masterrogue666 posted at 7:48 am on Fri, Jul 23, 2010.
Interesting how the Mexican flag isn't being flown anymore. No matter, enough have seen it happen many times before....