Outrage Over Immigration Law Spills Into Bay Area

Rallies planned in response to controversial law

Hundreds of people across the Bay Area are planning rallies in response to Arizona's controversial immigration law.

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, delivering a last-minute victory to opponents of the crackdown. But there is still plenty of outrage over the law, which will still require officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

Arizona will ask for an immediate appeal to the 9th circuit court, based in San Francisco. That's where hundreds of protesters will take to the streets. starting at 11 a.m. There's also a rally planned for noon at the federal building in Oakland and one at 6 p.m. in San Jose at King and Story roads.

Protest organizers say the Arizona law is the result of inaction in Washington and are calling for immediate immigration reform.

Police arrested 19 people protesting against the law Wednesday in front of San Francisco's federal building. The rally was organized by the SF Bay Area Coalition for Immigration Reform. Protesters walked onto Seventh Street and sat down, blocking traffic. Many who protested are clergy members.

"We all know people who are not documented," protester Father Richard Smith said, "we have these basic human ties it's a matter of friendship and the human heart and concern to do what's right."

All of the arrested protesters were cited and released. They say they will do what they have to to make their voices heard.

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