Saturday protest planned at Etowah Dentention Center

Activists are planning a protest outside the Etowah County Detention Center in Gadsden Saturday afternoon as part of a national series of demonstrations.  "Chant Down the Walls" is a national emphasis focused on immigration detention centers and jails, with supporters and families of detainees set to serenade those behind bars "with music and poetry in celebration of Father's Day," according to a news release.  One of those expected to attend is Sylvester Owino, a former detainee at the jail who says he spent nine years there.  Scott Hassell, chief of corrections for the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, said there will be some preparations for the protest, as in the past, since it is not the first time for a demonstration outside the jail dealing with the fate of detainees.  In 2012, Detention Watch named Etowah County Detention Center one of the 10 worst immigration detention centers in the nation. An open media tour was organized shortly after.