A protest was held outside of the St. Petersburg Carillon Park Hilton hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in response to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruitment event being held within. Around 100 protestors showed up blaring sirens from bullhorns, chanting, and holding signs criticizing the hotel and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Nearly as many police officers were present as there were protestors, reportedly to manage the crowd and prevent roadway obstructions. Hotel manager Gregory Rice could be seen alongside St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and several U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers.
Inside, the recruiting experience reflected the militaristic culture of the green-suited agency…