Latinos In Minneapolis Blocked Downtown Traffic To Protest Recent Deportations

Immigrants are being detained and deported in Minneapolis for not possessing Minnesota driver licenses.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 4, 2016

Minneapolis, MN - Hundreds of immigrants, faith ministers and supporters from Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Illinois blocked the streets in front of the Hennepin County Government Center at the 300 of S. 6th Street on February 26 to denounce the recent raids authorized by the Obama administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They also send a message to Governor Mark Brandt Dayton (D) to allow access for undocumented immigrants to apply for Minnesota driver licenses. The protesters claim that undocumented immigrants stopped for routine traffic stops are detained because they don't have driver licenses and then are turned over to ICE for deportation proceedings causing the separation of families in the state. 

The rally against recent deportations and demand for Governor Dayton to allow access of driver licenses for undocumented immigrants was sponsored by the Asamblea de Derechos Civiles and the Gamaliel National organization, according to organizers.