12 arrested as immigration activist protest shuts down street

COLUMBUS (AP) — A protest against U.S. immigration policy and recent deportations temporarily shut down a street in front of Columbus City Hall Monday, resulting in 12 arrests.

Protesters blocked the street across from City Hall and around the corner from the Ohio Statehouse Monday morning by erecting three wooden poles in a tall tripod.

The protest happened near a downtown office building housing the local offices of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Several Columbus police cruisers crowded the intersection as city firefighters using a ladder truck and chainsaws dismantled the structure.

Protesters shouted “No borders” and held signs such as “No Borders! No Wall! We Want Freedom For All!”

Police say charges against the protesters include disorderly conduct and failure to comply.