PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Islanders of Southeast Asian descent say they are being increasingly racially profiled by Providence police.
Protesters gathered in City Hall on Thursday to protest and share stories.
The Community Defense Project and the rally’s organizers, say racial profiling has been on the rise during April, when many Southeast Asian communities celebrate their New Year.
Eighteen-year-old Athan Seng said police pulled him over without justification April 4 and asked if he had a weapon. He said he was detained for 15 minutes by six officers and his car was searched. They found a laptop and school books.
Providence police defended their actions in an email saying the vehicle was stopped for “probable cause,” adding that they will cooperate in any complaint process.
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