4 immigration activists arrested at ICE protest outside Phoenix jail

PHOENIX — Four immigration activists were arrested outside a county jail in Phoenix on Wednesday after they chained themselves to each other and blocked the entrance.

They spent more than an hour refusing to leave the entrance of the 4th Avenue Jail as an act of civil disobedience. Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies dressed in riot gear moved in and pulled the four activists into the jail.

#BREAKING: 4 immigration activists who were blocking the entrance to the 4th Ave jail in Phoenix for more than an hour have now been arrested. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/PJte887RrQ

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) August 23, 2018

Authorities said the four activists were booked into the 4th Avenue Jail on charges of disorderly conduct and failure to disperse.

Cynthia Diaz, one of the activists arrested, said they were there to deliver a message to Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone.

“Penzone is currently collaborating with ICE in the jail systems, and we know he has the power to stop that,” she said. “We want to send a clear message that ICE should not belong inside the jails.”

Several hundred immigration activists and a small group of counter-protesters gathered outside the jail leading up to the arrests. Phoenix police officers kept close, monitoring the at-times tense situation between the two groups.

The activists were calling on Penzone to end his office’s relationship with U.S> Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is allowed to interview detainees inside MCSO jails at the time of booking.

“This is both lawful and necessary in our effort to promote public safety while facilitating the mission and authority of other policing agencies,” MCSO said in a statement.

The agency added it does not accept or facilitate ICE detention requests known as “courtesy holds.” At the time of release, ICE is allowed to go into the county jails and detain immigrants.

So far this year, ICE agents have flagged more than 1,600 people detained in county jails on charges like murder, aggravated assault and DUI.

“We remain steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to work within our authority to facilitate the mission of our law enforcement partners to include ICE and other federal agencies,” Penzone said in a statement. “Pending unforeseen changes to laws or directives from the courts our policy will remain the same.”

Maria Castro, community organizer with Puente Human Rights Movement, said they’re hoping that policy changes.

“After Joe Arpaio lost the election and Penzone came into office, the only thing that has changed is the name on the door.” She said. “We’re here letting Penzone know that we want him to end all collaboration with ICE.”

Wednesday’s protest was part of a national movement known as Abolish ICE, which aims to end the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

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