Demonstrators Blast Hotel Chain For Hosting Border Officials

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Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Nancy Harty

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Immigration advocates took their anger over Customs and Border Protection to the South Loop hotel where the agency is holding a conference this week.

Protesters chanted across the street from the Marriott Marquis, standing near cages with children's clothing inside and white crosses that aimed to represent children held by immigration agents and those who have died in detention centers.

Chicago police stood by the small crowd.

Immigration advocates criticized the hotel chain for hosting the conference and accused Marriott of “enabling” CBP.

Last week, Marriott announced it would decline any requests from government agencies to detain undocumented immigrants in their hotels.

Immigration activists chant outside @CBP conference in hopes of being heard by acting @DHSgov sec speaking there. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/qXstXIqLbY

— Nancy Harty (@newsnance) July 23, 2019

Rey Wences with the group Organized Communities Against Deportation says that's a contradiction if Marriott will host the agency's conference.

A Marriott spokesman tells WBBM Newsradio the hospitality company will accommodate Customs and Border Protection employees like they would any other guest.