Undocumented Students Arrested During Protest of Secure Communities Program

(AP)

Police arrested undocumented students who were holding a demonstration Wednesday outside the immigration offices in Los Angeles against a controversial immigration enforcement program, according to activists.

Youth activist Mohammad Abdollahi says five undocumented students and graduates held a sit-in Wednesday at the building where federal officers ready immigrants for deportation.

Abdollahi says officers detained them and one supporter and released them several hours later.

He says three activists who rallied outside were arrested by police for failing to disperse.

Critics say the Secure Communities program giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to arrestees' fingerprints has caused the deportation of many for minor infractions. Supporters say it helps identify immigrants convicted of crimes.

Homeland Security spokesman Matt Chandler says the six arrests were executed by the Federal Protective Service. No additional details were released.

This is based on a story by The Associated Press.