Watch CBS News

No House Ethics Sanctions Against Gutierrez After Arrest

WASHINGTON (CBS) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has decided not to pursue ethics sanctions against Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who was arrested last week while protesting in front of the White House.

TheHill.com reports the House Ethics Committee has dismissed all allegations against Gutierrez. He was arrested last week while demonstrating at the White House with a group of 10 others advocating deferral in the deportation of some undocumented immigrants.

Gutierrez and the other activists were sitting on the sidewalk in front of the White House during the demonstration on July 26, Gutierrez spokesman Douglas Rivlin said last week.

U.S. Park Police gave them three warnings to leave and, when they refused, they were put in plastic handcuffs and taken into custody.

Gutierrez was part of a group calling on President Barack Obama to reform the nation's immigration system, a promise Obama made during his campaign. Since Obama was elected, more than 1 million people have been deported, according to Gutierrez's office.

Gutierrez was released Tuesday afternoon after paying a $100 fine.

Gutierrez was also arrested in a similar incident last year, in which he said he would not move until he was either arrested or comprehensive immigration reform became law, and he ended up being arrested and as in the latest incident, paying a $100 fine, The Hill reported.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.