UPDATE
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Media Contacts: Cres Vellucci  916.996.9170 or Scott/BACFTM 510.295.8843
      

Three arrested Saturday at Capitol protest against ‘racist' Minuteman border vigilante project

SACRAMENTO – Three people were arrested Saturday at an anti Minuteman rally at the State Capitol, and two were treated for injuries after hundreds of demonstrators protested the vigilante border patrol group "Minuteman Project."

A breakdown on the arrests, as of 4:55 p.m. Saturday: Joshua Ramirez, 19, Santa Cruz, being held in Sacramento County jail on $30,000 bail on charges of battery on a police officer, resisting an order of a police officer, both felonies. He has a Tuesday court date.

Robert Levine, 21, San Francisco, due to be released on his own recognizance later Saturday, pending misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and battery. He also has a Tuesday court date.

Carlos Murillo, 19, Daly City, released on his own recognizance Saturday following his arrest on an infraction of pedestrian in a roadway, and a misdemeanor, resisting arrest. Unknown court date.

Both Levine and Murillo were treated for injuries suffered in their arrests. Supporters and other observers reported that those arrested were falsely arrested, and then abused by police officers.

About 600 people representing anti-racist groups throughout California arrived at the Capitol in busses and carpools  from the Bay Area and the Central Valley to oppose a rally at the Capitol by the "Minuteman Project," a vigilante group harassing immigrants along the border.

The "Minuteman Project" – with the governor's support and seeking to increase the militarization of the border – has been harassing, threatening and arresting immigrants as they cross the U.S.-Mexico border in search of a better life, according to activists.

Among those attending the protest against the vigilantes were Mexican American Political Association National President Nativo Lopez, former Green Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo, and representatives from Bay Area Coalition to Fight the Minutemen, Deport the Migra Coalition, Zapatista Solidarity Coalition, Brown Syndicate and other statewide organizations.