Rally against ICE held in Jersey City following deadly Minneapolis shooting
Organizers said the demonstration was intended both to condemn immigration enforcement actions and to promote three bills currently moving through the New Jersey Legislature that would restrict the use of state and local resources in assisting ICE operations.
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Activists, joined by local and state leaders, gathered outside City Hall in Jersey City on Sunday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity days after a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis and amid reports of increased enforcement activity in New Jersey.
The rally, organized by the group Spirit of Liberation, drew dozens of people calling for change.
“I hope that this is the call to action,” said Alex, a representative with the Spirit of Liberation. “Wake up. They are killing our community members, and we need to do something about it. Not enough people are realizing the potential implications of this, not only for those that are most vulnerable, but what this means for us as a whole moving forward.”
Organizers said the demonstration was intended both to condemn immigration enforcement actions and to promote three bills currently moving through the New Jersey Legislature that would restrict the use of state and local resources in assisting ICE operations.
Assemblywoman-elect Katie Brennan, a Democrat representing District 32, attended the rally and said the legislation would be a priority when she takes office.
“The state has power, and we have to act like it,” Brennan said. “So not only do we need to protect our populations, but when we have armed agents out there in this state with no accountability, then nobody is safe.”
The proposed legislation has faced opposition from many state Republicans. The Trump administration has also repeatedly come out against measures nationwide, arguing that such laws put ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers at risk.
For some, like Ron Bautista, a former undocumented immigrant and activist, the rally was deeply personal.
“Once I got my green card, I knew that I could get politically involved,” Bautista said. “I knew when I would become a U.S. citizen, all those protections are at risk now, right now. And that’s something that our elected officials, advocates, and everybody in the community has to stand up for.”
The three bills limiting cooperation with ICE passed through legislative committees last week and are expected to be considered by the full Legislature on Monday.
