Arrests made during Chicago hearing on immigration program

Several demonstrators, including some who admit being illegal immigrants, staged a sit-in during a Chicago hearing about a federal immigration enforcement program.

Police say several people were arrested Wednesday after they marched out of the hearing on the “Secure Communities” program and blocked traffic.

Under the program, arrestees’ fingerprints are shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It’s touted as a way to protect citizens from dangerous convicts who enter the U.S. illegally. But some say it also ensnares people who’ve committed minor offenses.

About 500 people filled the hearing hall, with most saying the program deprives immigrants of their most basic rights.

After obtaining public input, the task force is to make recommendations on the program to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.