Arrests made in student protest at Trevor Browne
Mar 21, 2012, 11:53 AM | Updated: Jun 4, 2012, 4:46 pm
A student protest against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe
Arpaio’s immigration policies outside of Trevor Browne High School lasted more
than
three hours and resulted in six arrests — including two juveniles.
All six admitted they were illegal immigrants and face an Immigration and Customs Enforcement court appearance or possible deportment.
“It’s up to ICE,” said Phoenix officer James Holmes. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with them next, or how soon it’s going to happen.”
But for starters anyone in the group over the age of 18 was processed at the Fourth Avenue Jail. Those younger then 18 were sent to the juvenile detention center, said Holmes.
Many of the protesters said they didn’t not fear jail time.
“We worry every day and it’s time for us to use that same
fear we have for the love of our families and say, ‘We’re
not going to be afraid anymore,'” one protester told KNPX-
TV.
Arpaio, in a statement released Wednesday, condemned the protestors and said he would press on with his style of enforcing immigration laws.
“If these students/demonstrators have a concern over the immigration laws they should bring those concerns to Congress, State Legislators, or the White House and not use this Sheriff as their poster boy,” Arpaio said in the statement.
MCSO confirmed that four of the people arrested were in the country illegally. Their mugshots are below.
The rally forced closure of 75th Avenue from Thomas Road to Campbell Avenue.
Chants of “Undocumented!, Unafraid!” could be heard from the
crowd of more than 100, mostly students with a few adults.
The protesters directed a few of their chants at the sheriff.
“We’re here to stay — Joe Arpaio is not going to scare us anymore,” said Daniela Cruz, one of those arrested.
Other chants included: “Arpaio we’re here, we’re undocumented and we have no
fear;” “Up, up with
education; down, down with deportation;” “Arpaio we’re
here. Our community has no fear;” and “No justice, no
peace. No racist police.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
