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Protesters arrested outside Executive Tower
Sydney Greene//March 30, 2016
Four protesters were arrested after blocking the front sliding doors to the Executive tTower on Wednesday afternoon.
The activists were protesting anti-immigration bills in the Legislature, particularly HB2451, which would repeal the laws that allow the Department of Corrections to turn over custody of an inmate to federal immigration authorities.
Law enforcement officers arrested Heather Hamel, Jessica Rubio, Adriana Garcia and Maria Castro after they chained themselves to each other while sitting outside of the Executive Tower. The protesters held signs saying “Ducey Veto Hate” and “No More SB1070s,” while a bigger sign that read “Trump Tower of Hate, Veto #HB2451” sat in front.
Earlier in the protest, Puente Human Rights Movement Executive Director Carlos Garcia was also arrested, a spokesperson for the group said.
Around noon, Department of Public Safety officers asked the protesters to leave. When they refused, the officers started cutting the chains off the protesters, who were linked together. They were then arrested and booked.
The four women represented various organizations, including Puente Human Rights Movement, Justice That Works, and Center for Neighborhood Leadership, according to Ceysche Napaceyshe of Center for Neighborhood Leadership.
Napaceyshe said the protesters had been at the building since 9:45 a.m.
Activist Manuel Saldana said he and the arrested protesters are angered by the anti-immigration bills introduced in the Legislature, particularly H2451. Saldana added that it was sad to see that the protesters were arrested, especially since they had the right to express their concerns.
“It’s sad they have to go through that to be heard,” he said.
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