UPDATE: There were over 38,000 petitions delivered today, more than the 35,000 originally tallied.
Here are a few videos from today’s event to deliver the 35,000 petitions supporting the Department of Justice’s newly announced investigation into Sheriff Joe Arpaio:
Gustavo Torres, the Executive Director of CASA de Maryland, welcomed the packed room, announcing that we had gathered to address a civil rights crisis, to deliver the petitions, and to show how the absence of comprehensive immigration reform had turned into fertile ground for an erosion of the civil rights of every American. He expressed confidence that the Justice Department investigation would lead to a repeal of Arpaio’s 287g agreement.
Representative John Conyers (D-MI), Chairman of the US House Committee on the Judiciary, spoke first. Part of his speech was captured in the video above. He said we need to “end Arpaio’s reign of terror”and explained how grave the charges against Arpaio really are. He said they reflected a major civil rights crisis that needs to be addressed immediately.
Rep. Nadler, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties gave an impassioned speech that rallied the crowd, part of which we caught on tape. Check it out:
We’ll have more soon on bringing Sheriff Joe to justice, but thanks to all of you who helped make this day possible.
