At least a hundred women were arrested Thursday in Washington when they protested in favor of immigration reform in the United States.
According to Univisión, the women, among with several undocumented immigrants, protested Thursday in Washington, D.C., to demand the approval of immigration legislation that is still being debated by legislators.
It's one of the biggest women mobilizations in the capital of the United States. Wearing red shirts emblazoned with the slogan "women for a just immigration reform", the protesters intertwined their arms to form a human circle and demand the approval of legislation that provides pathways to legal residence for 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
According to the same source, before they were arrested by police officers, some women were able to talk with Univisión, reported journalist Lourdes Meluza, their correspondent in Washington.
"I'm going to be arrested because it's urgent. All the organizations are here because we have lots of families, especially children, who are suffering because of the lack of reform", said Ana García Ashely, an activist with the organization Gamaliel.
Helena Hincapié, director of the National Immigration Law Center, said, "Congress is back from recess, we're telling them this is not a political matter, it's something that affects women and children. They have to act".
Women of all ages and ethnicities attended the rally. Washington police reported that more than 100 protesters were arrested for obstruction of public roads.
The U.S. Senate, mostly comprised of Democrats, approved in June a bill proposal involving the progressive legalization of 11 million immigrants living unauthorized in the country, along with stronger security measures along the border that the U.S. shares with Mexico.
In the House of Representatives, however, Republican opposition has shown apprehension towards the possible legalization of undocumented immigrants, which is why a decision on the bill has been delayed.