Protesters in Hartford called for a moratorium on immigration-related deportations after a U.S. Supreme Court deadlock that effectively killed President Barack Obama's plan to help millions of immigrants living in the country illegally.
Undocumented immigrants, community leaders, and members of the Connecticut Immigrants’ Rights Alliance joined together with Connecticut Students for a Dream Monday afternoon, blocking off Main Street. One of the protestors made a statement about his undocumented status.
"I came to this country with my family when I was nine in 2000, escaping poverty and violence in Brazil," the protestor said. "Throughout the years, being undocumented, I felt criminalized, and this is an attack on communities of color."
Law enforcement arrived and pointed out the vicinity of a nearby hospital. They requested that protesters move to the sidewalk to continue their demonstration. Some complied, and others were arrested outside the Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building.
The Supreme Court on Thursday voted 4-4 on the president's plan to spare millions of immigrants living in the country illegally from deportation, leaving a lower court ruling against the plan in place. Up to 4 million immigrants who are parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are affected by the lower court's decision.
This report includes information from the Associated Press. Esther Shittu is a WNPR intern.