In an act of ‘civil disobedience’ in support of comprehensive immigration reform, eight Democratic lawmakers were arrested Tuesday outside the U.S. Capitol.
The cuffed congresspersons were part of a group of demonstrators that had participated earlier in the day in the Camino Americano immigration rally on the National Mall. All told, Reps. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Al Green (D-Texas), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Charlie Rangel and Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), and Luis Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) joined about 200 protesters who blocked traffic on a street near the Capitol and were arrested for their actions.
The arrests aren’t the first in connection with an immigration protest near the Capitol grounds this year. In August, several activists staged a sit-in close to the Cannon House Office Building, during which around 40 individuals were arrested.
Photos of today’s incident:
Hundreds of #ImmigrationReform activists refusing to move off 1st St. Arrests appear imminent. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/ttKrpz06UV
— KristinFisher (@KristinFisher) October 8, 2013
Members of Congress, including @LuisGutierrez, preparing to get themselves arrested to push for immigration reform. pic.twitter.com/SmdgOmB3Zc
— Alan Gomez (@alangomez) October 8, 2013
The people have spoken! #timeisnow @cbrangel @LuisGutierrez #citizenship2013 Amazing! pic.twitter.com/MF6xLGKbAg
— FJYoda (@fmj133) October 8, 2013
