Detroit Will Breathe activists protest arrests saying Shelby Twp police targeted them

DETROIT (FOX 2) - "The right to protest is as basic as the right to vote," said activist Nakea Wallace.

But Wallace, from the group Detroit Will Breath, claims on Saturday Shelby Township police took away that right. Members of the group - along with five protesters, were arrested that day for blocking traffic and say they were targeted.

Detroit Will Breathe protesters unbowed after Shelby Twp arrests

Officers arrested the group for blocking traffic at 23 Mile and Van Dyke. But it's how the officers handled the situation that had the smae protesters speaking out Tuesday.

"They immediately met our march with violence and brutality," she said. "No de-escalation protesters immediately met with cops and riot shields."

They were marching in protest against Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide. Many are still upset about how he made racist online comments - and instead of being fired - was suspended - and given back his job of top cop. They claim promoting even more of a racist culture.

Officers arrested the group for blocking traffic at 23 Mile and Van Dyke. But it's how the officers handled the situation that had the same protesters speaking out Tuesday.

"I was never approached by police until Saturday," said Samantha Phillips. "Because Saturday wasn't about the protest, it was about sending a clear intimidation message.

"The officer horse collared me threw me to the ground, only to pick me up and throw me down again. I am littered with bruises and as a chronic pain patient, the weight of grown men on my back has caused further damage to my body."

After activists witnessed a half-naked Jessica Nadeau - a protester from Minnesota in the middle of the street - they took their anger to social media.

But recently released video from inside the police cruiser showed Nadeau taking her own clothes off proclaiming, "now police don't have to strip search (me)."

"The release of the video provided context but it doesn't explain why the officers grabbed her in the first place," said Wallace. "It doesn't explain why officers pulled her out of the car. It doesn't explain why no female officer responded to her, and why police didn't immediately called EMS to get her some care."