Couple's Deportation Deadline Extended Following Over 30 Arrests During Protest: Report

HARTFORD, CT - Police estimated that at least 30 people were arrested Monday after blocking the entrance to the Ribicoff Federal Building in Hartford and refusing to move in protest of a Meriden couple's deportation order, according to media reports. Later that afternoon however, the couple's deadline to leave was extended.

More than 150 people gathered for the protest, which ended peacefully, according to Eyewitness News 3. Police said the protesters were warned they would be taken into police custody if they did not move from in front of the building's entrance. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Meriden residents Franklin and Giaconda Ramos have lived in the United States for more than 20 years, having raised their two sons in Connecticut, the Hartford Courant reported. The couple were told during a routine check-in on August 1 that they must return to Ecuador by Friday.

The couple's sons, 23-year old Jason and 17-year old Erick, were both present at the rally along with members of the immigration advocacy group Unidad Latina en Accion, the Hartford Courant reported. The group previously orchestrated the sanctuary of Meriden resident Marco Reyes Alvarez in a New Haven church.

A video posted to Twitter showed police arresting Jason Ramos as protesters shouted "Jason is our brother."

Erick Ramos said his father has worn a GPS monitoring device and had regular check-ins with ICE since being detained after a raid at his work in 2012, as reported by NBC Connecticut. He also said his parents have paid taxes and have no criminal record.

ICE officials said the couple was granted a stay of removal for an unspecified amount of time so they can make arrangements for their departures or continue seeking relief in court, according to NBC Connecticut. They also said ICE respected the peaceful protest.

The family is currently attempting to gain another green card through the sponsorship of their son, as reported by Eyewitness News 3. They are also asking for a deadline extension from ICE so their case might be reopened and reviewed by federal immigration court.

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