SEATTLE -- Fifteen people have been arrested for blocking the street during a protest outside City Hall in Seattle.

Police spokesman Mark Jamieson said they refused orders to clear the street but cooperated in being led to a bus for processing at the West Precinct station. People facing a pedestrian interference charge usually are not booked into jail.

Homeless advocates blocked Fourth Avenue and Cherry Street to protest sweeps that have removed transient camps. The intersection was blocked for about 30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m., said KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Rick Price.

The demonstration followed an overnight camp-out that was organized by the group Real Change. It said the city needs to add shelters for the homeless before cracking down on camps.

The city removes transient camps from greenbelts and underpasses to prevent health and safety problems. Residents are given advance warning and offered social services.