Protesters marching against Arpaio in Phoenix

Feb. 28, 2009 11:55 AM
The Arizona Republic


Opponents of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's illegal-immigration policies are holding their "March to Stop the Hate" in downtown Phoenix.

Speeches and music got under way at about 10:15 a.m. as a crowd about 400-500 gathered. The protest had been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

By the time the march reached it's halfway point, an unofficial estimate had the crowd up to about 600-700. The Phoenix Police Department said it would give its estimate sometime today.


Organizers had predicted 1,000 participants and it was possible they may reach that goal by the time the march is over.

The event is being led by the National Day Laborers Organizing Network and El Puente Arizona, and was to feature Zach de la Rocha, former lead singer of Rage Against the Machine. De la Rocha has arrived at the Steele Indian School Park just before the march.

Organizers planned to leave the park and march south on Central Avenue past the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. The route also passes Wells Fargo Tower - where Arpaio has his headquarters - and ends at the federal building on Washington Street.

Supporters of Arpaio were gathering at the Wells Fargo Tower, 100 West Washington Street. By 10:45 a.m., more than 100 people, many carrying "We Support Sheriff Joe" signs, were at the sheriff's headquarters.

Astrid Galvan and Jeffrey Javier contributed to this report
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