"The court also finds that the United States is likely to suffer irreparable harm if the court does not preliminarily enjoin enforcement of these sections," Bolton states in the ruling. "The balance of equities tips in the United States' favor considering the public interest."

Police stand guard as protestors demonstrate against Arizona's controversial Senate Bill 1070 immigration law in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, the United States, July 29, 2010. The immigration law takes effect in Arizona on Thursday with some key portions blocked by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton. [Qi Heng/Xinhua]

Thursday's protests kicked up quietly with an early morning prayer vigil and march from the state Capitol to the Trinity Cathedral in downtown Phoenix. About 400 people attended the service and then demonstrators marched toward the federal courthouse.

Three people, including former state legislator and activist Alfredo Gutierrez were arrested there around 8:30 a.m..

A number of rallies, protests, prayer vigils and acts of civil disobedience are scheduled throughout the day. A demonstration is scheduled on Friday which is expected to draw women participants from across the country.

"SB1070 is a result of fear and hatred," Barbara Burnham, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, told Xinhua. "The problem is not just in Arizona, the problem is nationwide."

"In Georgia where I come from, we have a coalition we are working to try to stop the anti-immigration legislation in our state legislature, which is very anti-immigrant. It's our hope a comprehensive immigration reform on a national level. That is what we really need," she added.

Many members of the group, which is a nationwide religious organization, are white people who descended on Phoenix from many parts of the country by bus, airplane and car.

They received a training on Wednesday as to how to respond to emergencies, and how to deal with police and how to act when someone was arrested.

"We are here to show our stand against SB1070 and our solidarity," Rev. Peter Morales, president of the group said.