Washington Times – by Stephen Dinan
Immigrant-rights activists said Friday morning they are blocking buses in Tucson, Ariz., filled with illegal immigrants who are on their way to be being sentenced to jail and then processed for deportation.
The activists said those on the buses are part of Operation Streamline, which is designed to give illegal immigrants jail sentences before they are deported, as a deterrent to keep them from trying to reenter the country in the future. The activists, though, say the program circumvents due process rights.
“Anyone who witnesses Operation Streamline will come away convinced that it is both unconstitutional and immoral,” said activist Roberto Cintli Rodriguez. “There is no justice in that courtroom. It violates every principle the U.S. claims to ascribe to. When humanity is confronted with unjust laws, it is our responsibility to challenge them.”
Friday’s move was a precursor to more demonstrations next week, when the activists plan to try to shut down the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Phoenix.
The activists posted live video of their protest online, showing some marching with signs in the middle of the road that read “End Streamline.”
Others were lying down next to the bus tires to try to make sure the vehicles couldn’t move.
In another video stream activists had blockaded the entrance to the court where the illegal immigrants were supposed to be processed. The activists had linked arms inside of tubes, which makes it more difficult for authorities to separate them and remove them.
One of those shooting the video said there were 70 people on the buses, and they were showing their shackles through the windows.
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/11/activists-block-bus-deporting-illegal-immigrants/#ixzz2hREz8dsO
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