Downtown vigil opposes SB 1070
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Fernanda Echávarri/TucsonSentinel.comProtesters at a anti-SB 1070 vigil downtown on Wednesday night. -
Fernanda Echávarri/TucsonSentinel.comJim Marx and his wife, center, listen to a speaker at the anti-SB 1070 vigil Wednesday night. -
Fernanda Echávarri/TucsonSentinel.comA banner reading 'Unite to Resist SB ' is displayed at the vigil.
Opponents of SB 1070 gathered Wednesday night at the Arizona Regional Office Complex downtown to peacefully protest the immigration law during an overnight vigil.
Although U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton issued a preliminary injunction preventing key sections of the law from taking effect Thursday, opponents at the protest said it was not enough.
At 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jim Marx, 68, was one of more than 50 people standing at the corner of Granada Ave. and Congress St. holding candles and listening to speakers.
Marx, an active volunteer with the human-rights organization No More Deaths, said the injunction was a positive move but an uphill battle continues.
"People don't know what's going on, even thought sometimes it's right under their noses," Marx said. "That is why my wife and I are here tonight, to make the public aware that the injunction is temporary and we need SB 1070 to be fully rejected."
The crowd gathered around a small shrine with candles and a large sign reading "United to Resist SB 1070." In the middle of the crowd there was an open microphone for poets, musicians, performers and for anybody who wanted to speak to the crowd.
Francisco Baires from the group UA Against SB1070 was part of the crowd and said Wednesday's ruling was just a pause.
"We will resist as long as the law exists, and SB 1070 still exists," he said. "This is not enough, we want a the law gone 100 percent, this is not enough."
Baires, like many others at the vigil, plans to come back early Thursday morning to participate in a ceremony at sunrise.
Some protestors plan on spending the night downtown, before continuing the protest throughout Thursday afternoon.
Pro-SB 1070 groups have also announced plans to demonstrate Thursday near the state offices at 400 W. Congress St.
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