MIAMI – Protesters carrying a sign that read “Stop deporting Haitians” blocked the entrance to Port Miami on Monday.
Sky 10 was above the scene just before 12:30 p.m. as protesters were laying on the ground, blocking the entrance as three police vehicles were parked nearby.
Another sign on the ground read “Kamala Harris. Deliver citizenship for millions!”
“We have a unique opportunity, and we need to know where is Vice President Harris, where is this administration,” said Melissa Taveras with the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “That’s why we’re here, to make these demands.”
Haitians in South Florida have been demanding immigration changes as many on the island are trying to get to the U.S. following another earthquake and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
Due to Monday’s protest, City of Miami police closed down Biscayne Boulevard in both directions between Northeast Fourth and Northeast Sixth Streets.
“This caught us by surprise,” said Miami Police Officer Michael Vega. “We weren’t expecting them to tie hands as they did and lay at the entrance to the port.”
Officers later intervened to try and reopen the entrance.
“We explained to them if you don’t stop or get up and move you will be arrested,” said Ofc. Vega. “Eventually after disregarding our commands, they were arrested.”
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