Law enforcement in Miami-Dade County They arrested 31 people who were participating in a demonstration in front of the Parliament building Krome Detention Center. The operation took place last Saturday after protests by demonstrators They will close the main entrance to the facilities He refused to back down despite multiple warnings issued by the Sheriff’s Office.
The events occurred when a group of activists, mostly young men, positioned themselves in a strategic location in front of the entrance gate of the detention complex. The work was aimed Blocking vehicles from entering the facility, in denial of ICE operations (Icefor its abbreviation in English).
Organization Sunrise movementResponsible for coordinating the demonstration, which was published on digital platforms The arrests came hours after the facility was besieged. As they expressed in their statement, the protest was a direct response to what they described Acts of intimidation against migrant communities.
“ICE’s atrocities must end They expressed that the courage shown by these demonstrators is necessary to achieve this.
Organizers explained that the event began at the so-called Alcatraz, where young activists gathered. According to their public statement, they set out there to uncover this This space has been the subject of questioning before Disappearance of people in immigration custody.
Then they advanced towards Krum, where they stood at the main entrance.
The goal, according to the organization, was to prevent the entry of official vehicles To draw attention to conditions inside detention centres. They also noted that they sought to send a message to the federal administration about the youth’s refusal to remain on the sidelines in the face of operations they consider harmful to the local population.
according to TelemundoThe Miami-Dade Police Office (MDSO) reported that its officers arrived at the scene after receiving reports of A group blocked traffic to the facilities.
Officers noted that before initiating the arrests, multiple warnings were issued to the demonstrators to leave the area. The refusal to leave led to arrests on charges of obstruction.
During the protest, the organization broadcast video of the moment one of the demonstrators was arrested by police officers. “They are taking me Protest peacefully“But the agent who put the handcuffs on her interrupted her to tell her the reasons,” she confirmed. “This is called obstruction. Obstruction of justiceHe explained.
The young woman stated that she was in the right place for that Report the treatment they are receiving People in ICE custody. “I know what I was doing, because I’m fighting for immigrants and families who deserve to be safe,” he said.
According to his story, he sought to show the impact of immigration procedures on families who fear not being reunited after their daily journey. “This is not the America we deserve. We deserve it Freedom, security and protected communitiesHe added.
Another protester confirmed this during his arrest Their participation came in response to the intention of accompanying neighbors and acquaintances affected by the migration processes. He indicated in statements issued by the organization that his goal was to highlight the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement procedures on local residents.
“The message is clear and simple. Youth It will stop working as usual. “As long as this remains normal, as long as our neighbors continue to be taken off the streets, we will be in ICE detention centers,” he said.
The activists expressed three main demands:
During the protest, They carried pictures of people killed in detention centers and posters with messages about local residents being detained. “Immigration and Customs Enforcement kidnapped my neighbor,” read each protester’s sign and T-shirt.
The activity also included slogans demanding: The need to modify federal immigration policies. The organization stated that the arrests will not diminish its determination to continue organizing these protests.
Provincial authorities indicated that the arrests were made in accordance with the law Florida Statute § 316.2045which Intentionally obstructing the normal use of streets, highways or public highways is prohibited. According to this provision, it is not permitted to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, approach rolling vehicles or create conditions affecting safe movement.
The statute stipulates this These actions may result in a citation for pedestrian violations.. When obstruction is carried out for the purpose of inducement without authorization, it is considered conduct It may be considered a second-degree misdemeanorpunishable under additional state regulations.
The rule It does not prohibit political activities in public placesBut it sets limits when it comes to road safety.
MDSO noted that although the authorities recognize the right to express opinions, It must ensure unrestricted access to government facilities. They pointed out that the prolonged siege of the main entrance led to police intervention.