Photos by Nathan Thrash, Sydnee Schwartz and Craig Johnson. Audio and video by Craig Johnson. Edited by Courtney Pedroza.
Of the many public demonstrations that have taken place over the years regarding Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, last weekend’s stands apart because it gave a platform for those who consider themselves victims of Arpaio’s practices to tell their stories.
The rally, organized by the migrant justice organization Puente Arizona, took place Thursday and Friday outside the Sandra Day O’Connor United States Courthouse where Arpaio’s contempt of court hearings are taking place.
Carlos Garcia, director of Puente Arizona, said the group was calling for community support and testimonies of Arpaio’s victims.
“Today what we are doing is not just a rally. It is really bringing the proof, showcasing the lawsuits of the people that have died at his hands,” Garcia said. “We’re inviting people to come give their testimonies, so it’s not just a rally or making a presence outside the courthouse, but it’s inviting people who have been victims of Arpaio’s abuse to come forward so they can fight with us.”
Puente Arizona arrived at the courthouse with three shade covers, a display of a timeline showing acts by Arpaio the organization thought were questionable and contemptuous while in office, a public art installation and room for legal clinics.
The public art installation included photographs and information about people who died in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The legal clinics gathered information, testimonies and affidavits to show how people have suffered under Arpaio’s tenure. Many Puente members said the legal clinics would be the most powerful action of the rally.
“Everybody should know the bad things that Arpaio has being doing to these people,” Noemi Romero, a member of Puente’s legal office staff, said. “Like myself, I am a victim because I was arrested in one of his work raids, and I don’t consider working a crime.”
“People who are just trying to get ahead were derailed and criminalized and in jail because of Arpaio’s policies,” Garcia said.
Puente members shared their own experiences openly. Garcia said he was arrested three times for civil disobedience during Puente demonstrations. Gerardo Torres, an organizer and activist with Puente, said though he is an undocumented immigrant he is not afraid to step up against Arpaio’s actions.
“I think it is very important that he has to realize that the people from Maricopa County are speaking out and are coming out of the shadows, undocumented,” Torres said.
Puente Arizona started as a nonprofit organization in 2007 to advocate for immigrants oppressed by Arpaio.
“So our existence, the last eight years of my life, have been dedicated to the people that Arpaio is affecting,” Garcia said. “Ever since Arpaio got his immigration powers in 2007, it’s been hurting our community.”
This year alone, Puente has sponsored multiple protests and rallies to gain support against Arpaio and his actions toward immigrants and minorities.
Though Romero said the turnout at the rally was lower than they hoped for, she said the group would not take the time to put these events together if people weren’t actually being affected by Arpaio’s actions.
“We are here to show the abuse and suffering that has happened at the hands of Arpaio and to make people know that we don’t only want to get rid of the person, but get rid of his legacy and all the rest of the harm he has done to our community,” Garcia said.
Contact the reporter at Ellanna.Koontz@asu.edu.
