Philly Protesters Condemn ICE Raids, Custody Deaths, Citing MLK’s Call for Unity
In Philadelphia, demonstrators gathered to protest against recent ICE raids and custody deaths, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement and called for unity, echoing King’s message for social justice.
Protest Overview
The protest was held on January 15, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Activists marched from the Philadelphia Immigration Court to the local ICE offices, emphasizing a unified response against perceived injustices.
Growing Opposition to ICE
- Recent polling indicates that 50% of respondents view the actions of ICE as unjustified.
- Support for abolishing ICE has reached 43%, the highest recorded since polling began in 2019.
Voices from the Community
Raymond Torres, a 74-year-old protester originally from Mexico City, expressed his sentiment through a sign that read, “Voting will melt ICE.” He emphasized the power of voting to cut funding to ICE, saying, “If we vote, we can save our neighbors.”
Torres is no stranger to activism. He recalled his first protest in 1967 after hearing Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Philadelphia. His decades of engagement illustrate a long-standing commitment to civil rights.
Unity in Action
The protest drew attendees bundled against the cold, who marched through Center City. They congregated outside the ICE offices, demonstrating solidarity against raids and inhumane treatment of detainees.
As activists embraced during the march, they reinforced a collective vision for change and unity, inspired by Dr. King’s legacy. The event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice within the community.
