Three protesters with the local human-rights group Puente were arrested last night outside the Phoenix office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A handful of people with family members in immigration detention facilities have been on hunger strike for more than nine days now, and others have been camping outside the ICE office with them in a display of solidarity.
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-People with Family in Immigration Lockup Go on Hunger Strike Outside ICE
Yesterday afternoon, Puente was streaming live video online of a visit to the encampment on Central Avenue from several Phoenix police officers, who explained to the protesters that part of their camp was on private property, and also warned them about possible misdemeanor charges for camping on a sidewalk or obstructing a public right-of-way.
Puente reports that 30 police officers returned around 11 p.m. to "evict" the camp.
Video shot by someone in the group starts after police had already arrested two supporters, Carlos Garcia and Erika Andiola.
Phoenix Police Sergeant Trent Crump tells New Times there were actually three people arrested last night, on charges of criminal trespassing.
According to Puente, the hunger-strikers have returned to ICE this morning. They still have about six days left in their planned two-week hunger strike. Organizers report that their family members in immigration lockup in Eloy have been on hunger-strike as well. A couple of the hunger-strikers say their loved ones have been held for months, while one woman on hunger strike says her son has been in there for more than two years.
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