Dozens of protesters on Friday night blocked a downtown Phoenix street outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office ahead of federal roundups expected Sunday.
Police arrested 16 protesters after authorities warned that people would be subject to arrest if they stayed in the street and on the light rail tracks.
Police report that during the arrests, some officers were assaulted attempting to take suspects into custody.
The following were arrested, according to Phoenix police, for Unlawful Assembly and Obstructing a Public Thoroughfare:
- Ian Larkin, 29
- Redeen Robinson, 29
- Jorge Soria, 62
- Angeles Maldonado, 29
- Andrea Bailey, 23
- Sofia Dancel, 29
- Jose Conchas, 27
- Lerman Montoya, 22
- Phil Martinez, 38
- Amanda Benjamin, 24
- Samuel Torres, 23
- Kaelen Ebata, 20
- Jessica Bristow, 22 A
- Annestello Pedreiro, 27
The following two protesters were booked on charges of aggravated assault on an officer:
- Jakob Beskind, 21
- Jamaar Williams, 34
“These suspects assaulted officers and attempted to prevent officers from arresting other suspects,” Phoenix police said in a statement.
Protesters chanted against immigration detention under the Trump administration. Similar protests were held in other parts of the country.
Some stood in the street while others lined the sidewalk along Central Avenue. The protest disrupted road and light rail traffic.
President Donald Trump says the roundups will begin Sunday.
Administration officials have said they're targeting about 2,000 people in the national sweep, which would yield about 200 arrests based on previous crackdowns.
Roundups are not expected in Phoenix.
Protestors continue to block Central Ave (N-bound) outside the PHX Art Museum.
— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) July 13, 2019
They’re protesting ICE but are now face to face with Phoenix PD officers in riot gear.
Police have broadcast multiple warnings - so far no arrests or injuries, just chanting. pic.twitter.com/ep50ZKzRpU
