LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Occupy ICE protesters gathered in the lobby of the Heyburn Building on Thursday morning, blocking the elevators and denying entry to employees. They were all eventually removed from the building around 11 a.m. on July 26.
The Heyburn Building houses the Louisville Immigration Court on the 11th floor and the protesters are denying access to the court.
The group issued a release on social media describing the reasons for their protest. In the release, Occupy ICE Louisville said they "will continue to resist with radical compassion for our most marginalized communities here in Louisville."
The protest was streamed live by multiple witnesses and was shared on Facebook, quickly earning hundreds of views. One stream, by Derek Penwell, lasted over two hours. (Warning: There is some explicit language used in the video).
A group of protesters had gathered in a line in front of the elevators, wearing "braces" made out of PVC pipe, chains, and lockboxes, according to a witness, to link their arms together. They sang and shouted phrases such as "Abolish ICE" and "Shut down Heyburn."
PHOTOS: Occupy ICE protesters gathered inside the Heyburn Building to block elevators
Employees attempted to enter the elevators, some having to crawl under protesters to gain access. After coordinating with police, employees were able to go up using the stairs to enter their offices.
At one point during the protest, officers cleared the lobby of onlookers, allowing only the joined protesters, Heyburn employees, and security personnel to remain. Those who were ushered out gathered in an entryway, continuing to watch and film the protest from the other side of a glass door.
The property manager later asked media personnel and onlookers to move to an alleyway behind the building, restricting the view of the situation.
Additionally, Occupy ICE reconstructed their camp in a new location after it was evacuated by police last week. The new location of the camp is in MLK Park.
Protesters were told around 4 p.m. Thursday they were not in compliance with the Camping on Public Property City ordinance. It forbids any temporary living accommodations like tents, grills, and other camping equipment.
Protesters were told they had an hour to get in compliance.
By 6:00, the tents had been taken down and most of the protesters packed up and left.
An attorney with the Occupy ICE movement said they would be gone by the end of the night.