 Phoenix march against SB 1070, July 28 Photo: Jessica Bardales |
On July 28, the day before SB 1070
took effect, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) led a
demonstration of hundreds of people at the Arizona state capitol in Phoenix.
Protesters gathered in the extreme, 105-degree afternoon heat, chanting
militantly: “Arrest Arpaio, not the people!” and “¡Legalización! ¡No
deportación!”
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This was the first major
initiative called by ANSWER in Phoenix. The Party for Socialism and Liberation
played a key role in making it happen. Members organized carpool caravans from
across Arizona and from California and New Mexico to help build the action.
After the successful protest, PSL
and ANSWER members participated in mass demonstrations on July 29. That day,
hundreds of people took to the streets of downtown Phoenix, many participating
in acts of civil disobedience.
The most significant action was a protest in
front of racist Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s jail. Sheriff Arpaio is a leading
proponent and practitioner of state repression against immigrants. Protesters
blocked the front doors, forcing deputies to retreat back into the building.
The action was militant and multinational and involved many young people coming
together against SB 1070 and the racists like Arpaio and Gov. Jan Brewer who
back the law.
There was an avalanche of media
coverage surrounding the demonstrations on July 28 and 29. ANSWER and the PSL
were featured prominently on Yahoo, the BBC and statewide Arizona newspapers.
Other media coverage included CNN, NPR, the LA Times, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision,
Telemundo, Azteca and many others.
The strength of the fight back was
impressive. Protesters were emboldened by a federal court injunction stopping
the most racist portions of SB 1070 from taking effect. Although it was only a
partial victory, people understood that it was the direct consequence of the
powerful people’s movement—not the charity of a federal judge.
 Protest of Sheriff Arpaio, July 29 Photo: Ian Thompson |
The
legal challenge to SB 1070 was based on a lawsuit brought by the Justice
Department and by other legal actions. However, the Obama administration, while
opposing SB 1070, has in fact stepped up attacks against immigrant workers since
coming to office in January 2009. This year, it is predicted that more than
400,000 people will be deported, nearly 10 percent more than were deported
under Bush in 2008, and 25 percent more than in 2007. (Washington Post, July
26)
