‘Old Farts’ group protest results in arrest of six at ICE in Philadelphia

A group of elderly protestors blocked the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Philadelphia this morning. A half dozen decided to be arrested instead of moving.

The protestors came out against the Trump Administration’s policies of separating children and families who are suspected of illegal boarder crossing.

Lynn Eiser was one of those taken away from the door and given a $50 fine.

“We have a voice as elders and citizens and concerned people to speak up for the welfare for all people but especially for the children.”

Erica Almeron of the group Juntos came out to support the protestors who called themselves the “Old Farts.”

“I am honored that the elders are out here fighting so that our families are protected — not only from the grips of — we are all standing here out today in this heat taking the risk of not only arrest but their health.”

About a dozen people with immigration issues seeking services from ICE had to be turned away because of the blocked door.

Philadelphia police used their new arrest policy, bringing out the elite civil affairs unit, and then two supervisors before any arrests were made, the officers of civil affairs handled the elderly with a kind touch and didn’t even tighten the flexible handcuffs around their wrists.  A wheelchair protestor wasn’t even put into a police van just led away from the site and given a citation.