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Thousands protest Arpaio on immigration
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Thousands of protesters march along Van Buren on their way to Tent City as they protest Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's policy to enforce illegal immigration and alleged abuses in his jails.
Darryl Webb, Tribune
Thousands descended upon a row of jails Saturday in Phoenix to protest Sheriff Joe Arpaio's policy of enforcing immigration laws.
The protest march, which began in downtown Phoenix in front of the building that houses the Maricopa County sheriff's administrative offices, was almost seven miles and had all of the familiar sights and sounds of a protest against Arpaio.
Jail security tightens before protest march
Before the marchers arrived at their destination near Tent City and Estrella Jail, two opposing groups of about 50 lined Durango Street.
On one side there were Hispanics, some with T-shirts the read "(expletive) Arpaio," "He's Finished," and various other T-shirts that showed affiliations with labor unions and groups associated with the march.
Salvador Reza, who helped organize the Walk for Respect said he wants to see President Barack Obama or Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano take away Arpaio's authority to enforce immigration laws, which he got through an agreement with the federal government.
"In his hands it's empowering someone with no regard for civil rights, no regard for human rights, no regard for humanity," Reza said.
On the other side of the street were various groups that want tougher immigration laws and individuals who support Arpaio. They held placards and waved flags. Some were also carrying sidearms.
"Nobody I know is against him," said Karen Brogdon, who drove about 35 miles from Wittman to hold a sign in support of Arpaio. "Where do these people come from?"
As the marchers got closer, Phoenix police officers in black military pants and bullet-proof vests lined both sides of the streets.
One side chanted "si se puede" (yes we can) while the other chanted "USA."
It took about 25 minutes for the marchers, who covered three lanes on the street, to pass.
Several people from each side got into a sort of standoff with their video cameras. Someone from one side would come over and stick cameras in the faces of the opposing group, which in turn would cause them to point their cameras back at them.
Marchers also traded obscene hand gestures, insults and tough talk with the Arpaio supporters. No one traded punches, though.
Arpaio was on hand and said that if the protesters want his immigration authority to be taken away, they should try to get the law changed rather than march.
"If they think they're going to intimidate me, they can march everyday," Arpaio said.
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