Columbia, SC – Immigration activists interrupted the Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity, moderated by Speaker Paul Ryan and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), repeatedly this afternoon after Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) sat down for a panel discussion on how to tackle poverty in America. Protesters heckled the event six times, and every time were escorted out by event security and police.
Sixth interruption of @marcorubio's speech at the #KempForum16 pic.twitter.com/6cj6DkcKWj
— Cynthia Roldan (@CynthiaRoldan) January 9, 2016Chants of “deport me, no way–undocumented, I’m here to stay” and “Rubio does not represent our community; he wants to deport our families” were shouted as protesters were ushered out of the exhibit.
.@MarcoRubio got a standing ovation for his response to protesters at #KempForum16... See what he said --> pic.twitter.com/CZDFaXbbtx
— Nate Brand (@NateRBrand) January 9, 2016After the interruptions continued, Rubio addressed the protesters by saying “we’re going to enforce our immigration laws, guys,” which drew a loud applause from the audience. The panel continued as scheduled. The previous panel featured Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), Dr. Ben Carson, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, which was also moderated by Sen. Scott and Speaker Ryan.
Staffers and law enforcement are now walking through the crowd, searching for protesters at the #KempForum16
— Cynthia Roldan (@CynthiaRoldan) January 9, 2016