Protest to reform 287(g) laws held; 5000 attend
By April MoodyReporter, The VOICE
Due to Sheriff Joe Arpaio's recent plummeting descent from grace, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), Puente Arizona, and famous lead singer of the band Rage Against the Machine, Zach de la Rocha, have organized a march against Arpaio, in an attempt to rid Arizona (AZ) of his policies once and for all.
Photo by Jenna Duffy/The VOICE
Zach de la Rocha speaking out against immigration laws at the Peaceful Dignity Walk.
On Feb. 6, a group of more than 70 labor, civil rights, and immigrant organizations from all over the United States, convened, outraged with Arpaio's most recent controversial action against illegal immigration.
On Feb. 4, the nation gawked at the direction that immigration enforcement has taken in AZ when Arpaio chained and forced more than 200 illegal immigrants to march, through the desert, to a segregated, make-shift prison of tents and electrified barbed wire.
He claimed, as cameras flashed, that tents are cheaper than jail cells, and, therefore, he is doing AZ a favor in saving money.
Enraged by the media spectacle, human rights protection groups such as NDLON called for an emergency meeting, and marched on Feb.28 from Point Steele Indian School Park to 300 East Indian School Road.
This march signifies the very last straw for the people of Maricopa County's patience and tolerance with Arpaio's rule, and they demand that all the raids and 287 (g) agreements be revoked.
This "Peaceful Dignity Walk", as it's been called, has spurred national attention to AZ.
Earlier this month in Mesa, the NDLON organized a rally to demonstrate and ask for federal intervention, specifically President Barak Obama's and previous Governor, Janet Napolitano's attention.
Also earlier this month around the U.S., NDLON has organized teach-ins, rallies, and other events against Arpaio, in New Orleans, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC.
NDLON's hope is that the nation will feel unrest with current events regarding Sheriff Arpaio and illegal immigration, and join in their efforts against him.
Please send comments to amoody@gccvoice.com
