By: C. Novak
Latin Daily Financial News
Hundreds of activists marched on downtown Phoenix in protest of Senate Bill 1070 Thursday, participating in mass acts of civil disobedience, prayer vigils and other rallies.
Dozens were arrested at various locations, and some members of the media who were covering the event were detained.
The protests were peaceful but disruptive. Opponents of the immigration law blocked Washington Street near Phoenix City Hall for nearly an hour Thursday morning, snarling traffic and light-rail service.
At least two dozen were arrested at that location, after linking arms and lying down in the street, said Sgt. Tommy Thompson, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department. They were charged with obstructing a public thoroughfare, which is a misdemeanor, Thompson said.
By noon, the bulk of the activity was centered on the 4th Avenue Jail, a primary booking location for felony arrests in Maricopa County.
Several hundred people had converged on that location, and six people were arrested after chaining themselves to the building; about 10 others were taken into custody by deputies dressed in riot gear after they blocked the jail's driveway and refused to move.
In total, 23 people were arrested for blocking a public thoroughfare, Sheriff Joe Arpaio said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Protesters at the jail blocked the entrance at 3rd Avenue and Madison, chanting, "No Justice, no peace, no racist police," and "Arrest Arpaio, not the people."
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