Charges dropped against protesters arrested at Wyatt Facility

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Nearly 20 protesters who were arrested outside Wyatt Detention Facility during a recent ICE rally appeared in Providence District Court Thursday morning.

The civil disobedience charges were dropped against the 16 protesters.

Instead, protesters had a choice to donate $100 to a charity in Central Falls or complete 10 hours of community service.

“I’m grateful to the city of Central Falls for dropping the charges,” said protester Liza Burkin.

Burkin was arrested after she refused to move out of the road for oncoming traffic.

She took this opportunity to donate to Progreso Latino, a charity that supports immigrants.

“I think the leniency in which we were treated is a green light to keep going,” said Burkin.

Former State Representative Aaron Regunberg was among the 18 arrested. 

He said the arrests won’t stop them from protesting again.

“This is not the end of this fight. This is not the end of our involvement in this fight,” said Regunberg.

Two protesters failed to appear in court due to a scheduling conflicts. They are expected to appear next week and donate to charity.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019