Multiple religious leaders were arrested at the US Capitol on January 30th during a peaceful protest against immigration policies and ICE funding.
Religious Leaders Arrested
The non-profit organization Faith in Action reported that on Friday, January 30th, “Capitol police arrested dozens of peacefully disposed religious leaders.” They were protesting against Donald Trump’s immigration policy and funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Financing an organization that commits harm, persecution, and kills is unacceptable. Not one dollar for ICE,” the organization stated.
Police Surround Singing Activists
The Kairos Center organization published footage showing numerous officers circling singing activists. At one point, some activists attempted to raise a banner reading “abolish ICE, dissolve DHS (Department of Homeland Security).” However, officers took the banner and other props from them, then placed handcuffs on the protesters.
Police Justify Intervention
According to Reuters, a spokesperson for the United States Capitol Police stated that demonstrations in congressional buildings “are illegal.” Consequently, 54 demonstrators were arrested. The protests against Donald Trump’s immigration policy began after federal agents shot two citizens in Minnesota.