New York: The woman, who in protest of US Immigration Laws, on Wednesday, climbed to the base of the iconic Statue of Liberty, used to reportedly attend protests and demonstrations against US President Donald Trump on a weekly basis.
According to Fox News, Therese Patricia Okoumou, an immigrant from Congo, used to attend anti-Trump protests once a week since joining the group Rise and Resist, Jay Walker, a member of the group told New York Daily News.
“She’s been an active member of Rise and Resist for four or five months, she’s participated in quite a few of our actions,” Walker said.
The 44-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after a nearly four-hour standoff with Police officials.
Seven other protesters were displaying banners, which read “Abolish ICE!” below her. All the protestors were arrested.
While the seven protesting beneath the statue were arrested shortly after protests began, authorities tried persuading the woman at the base of the statue to climb down. However, because of her non-compliance, officers used a harness and ropes on her to bring her down.
A source within the New York Police Department told CNN that the woman was refusing to climb down from the statue until all children were released.
This was not, however, her first altercation with the Police.
She was arrested in 2017 while protesting against the New York State Department of Labor in Manhattan. She had covered her mouth with tape and defied Police officials who directed her to leave the building.
While she was being forcefully removed, she kicked out and a flailing arm hit one of the officers, leading her to be booked for trespassing, obstruction of government administration and misdemeanor assault.
On a related note, Attorney General Jeff Sessions had, in April, announced a new “zero-tolerance” policy on the border to prosecute immigrants for entering the country illegally.
By virtue of this policy, families who crossed together illegally would in some cases be separated, prompting a sweeping outcry from Democrats and immigration advocates.
Nearly 2,000 children were taken away from their parents in a six-week period in April and May under the new Trump administration policy, according to several media reports. (ANI)