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Laura Yuen
St. Paul, Minn.

Protesters set up tents at Harriet Island Regional Park

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Bushville sign in St. Paul
An encampment called Bushville was set up by the 'Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign' in order to accomodate poor and homeless people arriving in the Twin Cities to protest.
MPR Photo/Luara Yuen

About 20 protesters have set up tents at Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul on the Mississippi River.

The protesters are part of a group called the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign. The activists brought in mattresses and sofas into the park this afternoon, calling the encampment "Bushville."

Cheri Honkala of the Poor People's Economic Rights Campaign says she intends to stay at the park overnight despite warnings from police.

When asked if she had a permit, Honkala said she didn't think she needed one.

"I've worked this out with God, and that's all I need to work it out with," Honkala said. "Minnesota's a nice place. (I was) born and raised here, I've always opened my doors to everybody, and I'm hoping the city will continue to open its doors to people, even if they don't have a credit card to stay at the W."

Police say the protesters need to leave by 11 tonight, when the park closes. Camping isn't allowed in any of the city parks. Officers say they hope to avoid using force when removing the activists tonight. One police cruiser is on the scene, but so far no arrests have been made.

Gallery
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A human rights group sets up an encampment
An encampment called Bushville was set up by the 'Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign' in order to accomodate poor and homeless people arriving in the Twin Cities to protest.
MPR Photo/Laura Yuen
1 of 3
Bushville sign in St. Paul
An encampment called Bushville was set up by the 'Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign' in order to accomodate poor and homeless people arriving in the Twin Cities to protest.
MPR Photo/Luara Yuen
2 of 3
Members set up Bushville in St. Paul
An encampment called Bushville was set up by the 'Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign' in order to accomodate poor and homeless people arriving in the Twin Cities to protest.
MPR Photo/Laura Yuen