Salt Lake City — Protesters gathered in downtown Salt Lake City on Sunday afternoon to voice their opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents across the country.
The event was organized in direct response to the second fatal ICE shooting that occurred in Minnesota, drawing hundreds, if not thousands, of people from all walks of life. Each person had their own personal reason for attending the protest, but they were united in their call for justice and an end to the violent tactics employed by ICE.
Voices of Protesters
Krysta McClellan, one of the attendees, expressed her deep outrage over the recent fatal shooting, particularly the death of Alex Pretti. “I am especially here today because of Alex Pretti and the way he was murdered yesterday,” McClellan said. “I think of all the people who he took care of in the ICU, who he eased their passing and comforted them while they died, only to have him die in the street.”
For Emmie Law, the protest was personal as well. “In our school, we have so many immigrants, and they’re all just so nice,” Law said. “Them being treated like they’re not just our friends is really upsetting.” The young voices at the protest highlighted the feeling of injustice, with many expressing their concerns about the impact of ICE’s actions on immigrant communities.
“I just don’t want to have to grow up in a place where there’s so much hate and fear,” said Berkley Porter, a young protester who shared her fears about living in an environment driven by animosity.
March Through Downtown
The protest began with a march from the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building on State Street, winding its way through downtown Salt Lake City to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Building at 660 S. 200 East. Salt Lake City Police blocked off streets to accommodate the large crowd, allowing protesters to peacefully make their way through the city.
State Senator Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City) joined the protest, voicing his support for the cause. “We shut the streets down. I think that is the right way to protest, is to show strength and solidarity and to get out and show that we are the majority, that people want to see peace,” Blouin said.
The Work Continues Beyond the Protest
While the march was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, protesters made it clear that their work didn’t end when the event was over.
“I know all of our thoughts are on making our own lives work, like finding rent and paying for food and all of that, but we have to think of a bigger picture, and what we want in like, 5-10 years, what we want for future generations, and that’s just as important,” McClellan explained.
The protest also saw the involvement of younger generations, with some expressing their desire to create lasting change.
Lucy Law, a student and one of the first-time protestors, proudly stood alongside her friends. “I’m proud of these guys,” she said. “This is some of their first protests. And, I mean, I’m in political science up at the U. I’m hoping to continue and to change America, I can do what everyone’s telling us to do.”
Her friend Ada Porter emphasized the importance of staying informed, even when politics may seem distant. “It’s everyone’s job to stay informed. And even if you think that it doesn’t affect you, or you don’t need to educate yourself in politics, it’s just coming down to basic human rights and empathy.”
A Call for More Awareness and Love
Another protester, Riley, expressed the need for greater awareness and understanding on both sides of the issue. “I truly need to see more love and definitely awareness. I think people need to open their eyes more to see what’s happening around, and I think we need to start hearing both sides of the story,” Riley said.
