Immigration Protesters Block Off Ramp To Vine Street Expressway Following SCOTUS Decision
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A demonstration by immigration advocates shut down roads in Center City. This demonstration gave the Philadelphia Police department a chance to run through its protest protocols ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month.
Organized by Juntos, the rally began at the ICE office at 16th and Spring Garden. The group then moved to the off ramp of the Vine Expressway on Broad Street.
Four protesters, including a 13-year-old boy who's mother would have been protested under President Obama's immigration orders before the Supreme Court ruling last week, used arm locks to chain themselves together to shut down the expressway exit.
Juntos Executive Director Erika Almiron said the protest was all about bringing awareness to the Supreme Courts decision.
"We need to do something like this for people to understand what it means to be struggling, what it means to be fearful of deported," Almiron said.
Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan said their role was to protect rights.
"This department respects the first amendment...we see ourselves as protectors of the first amendment."
Chief Sullivan said trained officers spoke to the protesters as they used saws to cut the arm locks, arresting four people, with no injuries.
"We accomplished our goal today and we will throughout the DNC."
He said the protesters will be charged with a summary offense.
