In an attempt to pressure Republicans in congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, eight Democratic lawmakers joined advocacy leaders and were arrested at an immigration rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.
The legislators were arrested in a show of civil disobedience designed to send a message to the GOP to act on immigration reform, an issue that has not gained much traction on Capitol Hill since the summer.
"I've been arrested a few times, and I don't mind getting arrested again for something that is right and fair and just," said Rep. John Lewis, reports Politico.
According to Al Jazeera, Lewis was joined by fellow Democratic Reps. Charlie Rangel, Luis Gutierrez, Raul Grijalva, Joe Crowley, Jan Schakowsky, Keith Ellison and Al Green in blocking the streets near the National Mall in a call of action that subsequently led to them getting arrested.
Lawmakers ranging from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to Republican Rep. David Valadao also took the stage at the rally.
The White House applauded the efforts of the demonstrators and demanded that House Republicans "put politics aside" to pass immigration reform in a statement Tuesday night.
"The enthusiastic demonstration of support for immigration reform this week has proven to Congress that the broad coalition behind commonsense solutions to our nation's broken immigration laws is as strong as it has ever been," said White House press secretary Jay Carney.
"Let's be clear: this is not the first rally we've been to over the years," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., flanked by other House Republicans who have been publicly pushing for comprehensive immigration reform. "We've heard a lot of lip service and a lot of promises, both political parties have had the chance to solve it, neither have, it's about time we get it done this year."
"Congressman Gutierrez also thanked his colleagues on his Facebook page for their actions at the rally.
"Thank you to my colleagues, John Lewis,Jan Schakowsky, Joe Crowley, Raul Raul M. Grijalva, Charlie Rangel, and Al Green for marching with me for #immigrationreform yesterday at#CaminoAmericano," he wrote.
In spite of the U.S. government shutdown, demonstrators were allowed to rally at the National Mall because it fell under a First Amendment category, an event spokeswoman said.
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