17 People Arrested Outside Miramar ICE Facility
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MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) - More than a dozen protesters were arrested outside the Miramar Immigration and Customs Office building after refusing to leave the middle of an intersection.
It followed a full day of demonstrations outside the center on Southwest 145 Ave.
According to police, 17 people were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly and obstructing a roadway. There were no reported injuries.
Some laid down in the street while others formed a human chain. Most wore orange t-shirts with the words 'Abolish ICE.'
They were protesting the current immigration policies under President Trump.
"We want ICE abolished. It has no place in this city," said a protester who called himself Mo.
Protesters claim undocumented immigrants are forced to stand in the hot sun at the facility for hours on end waiting to be seen for monthly check-in sessions.
"They have to check in from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. without shade or water," said protester Paula Muñoz.
Police blocked the streets leading to the protest site disrupting traffic.
In a written statement, "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said ICE respects the Constitutional rights of all persons to peacefully express their opinions. That said, ICE remains committed to performing its immigration enforcement mission consistent with federal law and agency policy."