SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego activist who was the first person arrested in Arizona during protests against the state's immigration law was released Friday night.

Mar Cardenas, an immigrant rights activist with the local May 1st Coalition, did not plan on being arrested in Phoenix until later that day. However, when she stepped into the street near City Hall where others were blocking traffic, she was taken into custody.

"I stepped into the street to take a picture and the police officer ordered me back in line. He says I didn't comply, but I actually did. He put his arm on my shoulder and pushed me," said Cardenas.

Cardenas said she panicked a bit because she was scheduled to drive a group of people to another event.

"I said, 'Omigod, omigod.' I don't know where they are and I'm being taken in," said Cardenas.

Right before she was taken away, she managed to give another protester her car keys.

She spent the next 30 hours in jail and said she has no regrets.

Cardenas was one of more than 100 local protesters in Arizona, but the only one taken into custody.

While the most controversial parts of the state's immigration law were blocked by a court, the protest went on for activists, including Cardenas.

She said the court fight is just beginning, pointing to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's crime sweeps allegedly targeting illegal immigrants.

"As an immigrant, I felt a need to take a stand," said Cardenas.

Cardenas' arrest was her first, and she was charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing traffic. She faces community service and a fine.

Cardenas will be back in San Diego Saturday.