Protesters Voice Opposition To ICE, Immigration Practices During Glenwood Demonstration
Demonstrators opposing the actions of federal ICE agents hold up signs for motorists during the protest.
A group of young counter demonstrators display signs of support for ICE.
More than 50 Mills County residents lined a sidewalk near the intersection of Sharp and Locust Streets in Glenwood last Wednesday (Jan. 27) for an “ICE Out” demonstration.
Demonstrators said they were there to voice their opposition to federal immigration enforcement policies and to show support for Minnesota residents following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal law enforcement officers.
Amy Stickrod said she has family and friends in Minnesota and the non-partisan demonstration was an opportunity to stand up for them and send a message that recent events involving ICE agents are not acceptable.
“We are Minnesota,” she said.
Demonstrator William Painter said protests opposing ICE that have taken place across the country in recent weeks show the impact of the shootings are being felt beyond Minnesota.
“I think Americans don’t like to be shot in the street by police officers and I think that it affects all of us,” he said. “It’s not just criminals, these were innocent people just being there and I think that runs against our grain as a country and as a culture. That’s why these people in the little town of Glenwood are here.”
The two-hour demonstration, monitored by local law enforcement officers, was met with both support and opposition by passing motorists.
A group of around a dozen teenagers and children held a counter demonstration for an hour on the west side of Locust Street, displaying signs of support for ICE.