In the midst of snow flurries and wind chill, over 400 residents and multiple local organizations gathered at the Florida Capitol in winter coats and scarves to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tallahassee, following the city’s compliance in the 287(g) agreement and Jose Vasquez’s detainment.
Joined by the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance, Tallahassee Community Action Committee, Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society and Power Up People, local protestors showed solidarity with worldwide protests from Milan to Minnesota.
This protest also comes after the killings of Keith Porter, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
“I don’t like the way that immigrants are being treated throughout this country… I don’t like how they’re being treated like they’re less than,” protestor Colton Taylor said. “I think that if you’re on American soil, you should just be treated like an American, you know?”
I think that if you’re on American soil, you should just be treated like an American, you know?
Protestor Colton Taylor
President of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee and protest organizer Delilah Pierre wants the government to take accountability for ICE’s actions.
“There’s no one being held accountable for these murders of these citizens … We’re seeing these U.S. citizens, the people ICE claims to care about, are being murdered and there’s no due process,” Pierre said, “There’s no accountability.”
Weeks later, elementary school teacher Linda Davis was killed during her morning commute after a fatal crash with a driver fleeing from ICE agents in Savannah, Georgia. Days later, around 40 people gathered at Savannah’s Well Park to protest and demand justice for Davis.
TCAC treasurer Thomas Speirs reflected on the worldwide protests and noted how unity is a crucial aspect in societal change.
“I think it just goes to show just how unpopular Trump’s agenda is …the power of the people is truly the thing that controls history,” Speirs said. “We all believe in that, and we want people to come out and show that power.”
Listen to the full audio report below.
