Seven Arrested During Graham Immigration Rally

Posted by: Matt McKinney Posted by: Julia Bagg Created: 4/8/2009

Graham, NC -- Seven people were arrested during demonstrations surrounding a controversial immigration enforcement program in Alamance County.

Nearly 100 protestors on both sides of the 287-G program shouted their message near each other and the Alamance County Jail.

Raleigh-based Americans for Legal Immigration organized one side of the rally. They joined with several other state groups to support Sheriff Terry Johnson's efforts to enforce immigration laws through the 287(g) program.

"He's enforcing the law and that's what he needs to continue to do," said supporter Anthony Johnson, who lives in Alamance County. "If they don't like it tough, they need to get a life."

Pilgrims for Peace and Justice insists 287(g) is racist and unjust. They marched right by supporters twice. But those were not the tensest moments.

The Pilgrims group staged a mock arrest of a member dressed as the state of liberty. Demonstrators dressed as ICE agents brought her to the county jail, but police kept them from going inside.

The demonstrators sat down in front of the jail and refused to leave when officers asked several times. That's when police arrested them.

Protest organizer Gail Phares says the arrests themselves send a strong message. "It's just a way to help people think about what's happening," said Phares.

The 287-G program authorizes designated officers to enforce immigration laws. The Department of Homeland Security arranges the agreements with specific law enforcement agencies. Training and supervision for the program is provided by sworn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

WFMY News 2

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