All Four Immigrant Rights Advocates Arrested on Gay Street Released, No Papers No Fear Bus Tour Heads Towards Democratic National Convention, Local Groups Continue Fight
August 29, 2012
Two undocumented immigrants, including one from Knoxville, and two supporters have been released, and are ready to head towards the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina with the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice. Alejandro was released last night from the Knox County Sheriff Detention Facility. Local groups to continue fight against 287(g), Secure Communities and deportations.
What: Press conference announcing release of all four protesters, including two undocumented, arrested during street peaceful protest on Gay street and Hill, on August 28, 2012.
When: August 29, 2012, 11:30 AM
Where: In front of Sheriff J.J. Jones’ office, 400 Main Street.
Who: Alejandro Guizar, 19; Maria Huerta, 65; and Frances Ansley, 66; Undocumented immigrants from Knoxville, No Papers No Fear Riders; Knoxville United Against Racism; members of Allies for Knoxville Immigrant Neighbors (AKIN); Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC); and the Unknowns Working to be Known.
Why: The No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is a national delegation of undocumented people and allies that left Phoenix, Arizona on the anniversary of the state's implementation of SB1070, July 29th, and is travelling towards the Democratic National Convention rallying the migrant community to overcome fear and organize to challenge anti-immigrant policies along the way. The action takes place 7 days before the group reaches Charlotte, North Carolina.
In support of local community struggles against 287(g) and the implementation of programs that lead to family separation, four immigrant rights advocates were arrested during a peaceful protest, including two No Papers No Fear riders. Alejandro Guizar, Maria Huerta, Maricela Lou, and Frances Ansley blocked the intersection on Gay and Hill Streets, sitting on a sign that read “No Papers No Fear,” and a banner with the words “Sheriff J.J. Jones’ racism hurts Knoxville.”
High resolution pictures for download: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nopapersnofear
Video of arrests earlier in the day available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3KKfOrJWIc&feature=youtu.be
More information on the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is available at www.nopapersnofear.org, and follow @undocubus on twitter for updates.