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Immigration protest shuts down part of George Washington Bridge

Ten protestors chained themselves to the bridge, completely blocking the upper level of the bridge for about 15 minutes Wednesday morning.

By Stephen Feller
Ten protestors organized by the Laundry Workers Center in New York blocked traffic on the upper lanes of the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey Wednesday morning. The protestors shouted slogans in support of immigrant rights and held a sign that said "Resist, Organized, Rise Up!" as angry drivers honked and shouted at them to get out of the way. Photo by Laundry Workers Center
Ten protestors organized by the Laundry Workers Center in New York blocked traffic on the upper lanes of the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey Wednesday morning. The protestors shouted slogans in support of immigrant rights and held a sign that said "Resist, Organized, Rise Up!" as angry drivers honked and shouted at them to get out of the way. Photo by Laundry Workers Center

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A group of protestors shut down part of the George Washington Bridge Wednesday morning, slowing traffic for commuters on their way to work in New York City from New Jersey.

Ten people protesting in support of immigrants' rights were arrested Wednesday after chaining themselves to the bridge, causing up to 90-minute delays for drivers during the busy New York morning commute.

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The group, organized by The Laundry Workers Center, was referred to online as #WeAreVisible protestors demanding equal rights for immigrants and political power for marginalized communities.

"The immigrant community is tired of being in the shadows," Mahoma López, co-director of Laundry Workers Center, said in a press release. "For many years we are here, we contribute, we pay taxes, we build this country, but in the end, we don't have the right to participate in the decisions at the local and national levels."

The protest started around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday as the protestors chained themselves to the bridge and carried banners into the middle of the upper lanes of the bridge. The upper level was completely blocked for about 15 minutes, and traffic was slowed significantly for about 90 minutes.

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The ten protestors, seven men and three women, were charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespass for blocking traffic on the bridge.

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