22 arrested in Seattle protest for immigration reform

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Twenty two peaceful demonstrators were arrested downtown this afternoon after holding a Street Fair in support of comprehensive immigration reform which started in front of the Federal Building and then moved into the streets, closing down traffic and drawing interest from local workers, tourists, and fans heading to a Seattle Mariners game. The action, planned by the Washington Immigration Reform Coalition (WIRC), aimed to refocus attention on the desperation felt by families separated for years and workers unable to protect their own rights.

"Those of us who acted in the tradition of civil disobedience and challenging unjust laws realize that people are temporarily inconvenienced by our actions," said Pramila Jayapal, Executive Director of OneAmerica, a member of WIRC. "But this pales in comparison to the ongoing suffering of immigrants who contribute significantly to our communities and economy but who live in fear and are regularly scapegoated by politicians."

The 22 advocates who risked arrest, cheered on by hundreds of supporters from across the state, took action today, in part, to challenge the recent bill passed in Arizona that legalizes racial profiling. "The consequences of federal inaction have never been more real," they said in a unity statement. "In the absence of immigration reform, states and other locales will jump in to fill the void with misguided, harmful and even unconstitutional solutions of their own."

Today's lively demonstration featured performances by local bands and artists, including hip-hop group Blue Scholars' MC Geologic, Gabriel Teodros, and Def Jam Poet Mark Gonzales. Senator Adam Kline and Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos joined today's action to speak out in support of immigrants and oppose any copycat legislation.