Arrested DREAM Act Protesters Released (KSAT-TX)

Arrested DREAM Act Protesters Released
Protesters Formed Human Chain Inside Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's Local Office

POSTED: Tuesday, November 30, 2010
UPDATED: 12:36 pm CST November 30, 2010

SAN ANTONIO -- More than a dozen protesters that were arrested Monday night at the local offices of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison following a six-hour protest, were released Tuesday morning.

The protesters were hoping to speak with Hutchison to get her to support the DREAM Act, which would grant some illegal immigrants permanent resident status if they meet certain criteria. However, their act of civil disobedience ended without a talk.

Police said the protesters arrived at 3 p.m. and formed a human chain inside the office while others formed a blockage towards the doorway to the office.

Just after 9 p.m., the first protesters were led away in handcuffs. Eight students were taken out minutes later.

The students were part of a group of 14 that started a hunger strike 20 days ago as a show of support for the DREAM Act. Police said protesters will be charged with criminal trespassing.

Immediately after the arrests, other supporters gathered at the Magistrate's Office and held a candlelight vigil Tuesday morning for those arrested.

One demonstrator said the arrests Monday night were necessary to put pressure on Hutchison.

"It's a question that has never been put before her here in Texas," said Marta Quintanilla. "Our actions from yesterday are just going to create a domino effect across Texas."

Quintanilla also added member of her group expect to be arrested again for staging future protests.

KSAT-12 received a statement from Hutchison's office regarding the arrests Monday evening.

Her staff said they attempted to close the San Antonio field office at the normal time and student protesters refused to leave.

Staff asked security to escort the students from the office and requested no arrests be made.

The students continued to resist and that resulted in their arrest.

The statement noted Hutchison appreciated these students' passion for their cause, but hoped they can find safer and more peaceful ways to voice their opinions.