WASHINGTON, March 20: Police have arrested 29 people for protesting against the war outside executive offices, including the White House here officials said on Thursday.

A police statement said the protesters were arrested for allegedly trying to cross police lines. The US Secret Service has expanded the perimeter around the White House, banning pedestrian traffic and implementing stepped-up identification checks for those entering the President’s residence and offices. Earlier, war protesters had perched in Lafayette Park directly across the street from the White House, chanting, praying and playing instruments, but they were pushed back more than a block as the park was cordoned off.

On Wednesday afternoon groups of picket-sign wielding demonstrators rimmed the security perimeter.