Why a congressman was arrested at the immigration protest
By Ambreen Ali
Congress.org
May 2010
When a Member of Congress is arrested, it's usually a scandal they try to cover up.
For Rep. Luis Gutierrez, it was a photo opportunity.
In the days leading up to a May 1 protest, the Illinois Democrat's staff carefully planned out his arrest for a misdemeanor trespassing charge, even notifying the police department of their intentions.
Along with other activists at the event, Gutierrez was trying to draw attention to a movement to overhaul federal immigration laws. But it was unusual for a sitting Member of Congress to be picked up.
"I think in order to win we have to give up our own comfort and challenge the system," Gutierrez said as he reflected on his arrest a week later.
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