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PHOENIX - Nine people have been arrested after a protest march stopped in front of a federal immigration building in Phoenix.

About 500 demonstrators marched in the downtown area Wednesday afternoon against Arizona's controversial immigration law known as SB 1070.

The protesters were kept across the street from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center by Phoenix police officers, many dressed in riot gear.

There was no reported violence.

Authorities say the nine were arrested for blocking Central Avenue during rush hour and refusing to move onto the sidewalk.

Wednesday was the first day that the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Arizona's immigration law.

Dozens of "tea party" supporters who back SB 1070 gathered outside the state Capitol, saying they were hopeful the law will be upheld.