Over 400 Students Expected at Arpaio Protest

Updated: Friday, 23 Mar 2012, 9:26 AM MST
Published : Friday, 23 Mar 2012, 5:32 AM MST

TEMPE, Ariz. - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is once again the target of another protest.

Earlier in the week, more than 100 students unexpectedly took to the streets, blocking the road near 75th Avenue and Indian School during rush hour -- saying they were illegal and they're sick of living in fear.

Now another march is planned in downtown Phoenix Friday and more than 400 students are expected to show their disapproval for the Sheriff.

"He should know way more about the stress and what people have to go through to give their families a better life," said Sandra Castro Puente.

This is a joint effort by two national human rights groups.

They are protesting against the Sheriff, claiming he is unfairly targeting Hispanics in his fight against illegal immigration.

Puente says, "It's gonna be an educational march where we're gonna go site to site and explain to students the deportation process when they get snatched up by MCSO or Phoenix PD."

At Tuesday's protest, hundreds of students spoke out against Arpaio and said they're in the country illegally -- brought to the U.S. as babies. Six people were arrested, but Immigration Customs Enforcement decided not to deport them.

The march starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Space Center. The students plan to make stops at the 4th Avenue Jail and Arpaio's office. The Sheriff says he wants to talk to them.

"Joe Arpaio has seen all this week students are no longer scared of him and the students will come and face Arpaio," said Puente.

Over 400 Students Expected at Arpaio Protest