WASHINGTON (AP/WMOT) — Tennesseans were among 211 demonstrators arrested yesterday in Washington.
The protesters were arrested after blocking a main street near the Capitol during a massive immigration reform rally.
Three mid-state residents were among those arrested. Brenda Perez, Tristan Call and Jack Willey were held by Capital Police overnight and released early this morning.
Brenda Perez says they joined thousands of immigration activists from across the country hoping to get immigration reform back on track.
“It’s been too long. The time is now. People are no longer going to be afraid to come forward and push for the change that is humane and that treats people accordingly.”
The issue is personal for Perez. She is an undocumented immigrant who lives in the Nashville area.
Eight members of Congress, all Democrats, were also arrested by police during the demonstration.