Islanders once again gathered at the courthouse Jan. 30, for what was titled an emergency protest “Melt ICE.”
The protest followed vigils for both Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both from Minnesota, killed by ICE agents.
Some community members brought bags of ice; others held signs, cheered, and waved at passersby, who honked, waved and cheered in return.
The protests continued Saturday, Jan. 31, when a handful of islanders stood on Spring Street outside the Customs and Border Control building. David Robison explained that he was unable to join the Jan. 3o protest, and he was particularly horrified by using five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos as bait to “catch his father.” Although both the child and his father have since been released, he was being held in an Arizona detention center at the time Robison spoke out against the tactic.
“We were not able to join yesterday’s protest and, as a Jew, I’m particularly sickened by the use of children as bait, kidnapping them, and interning them for days or months. I can’t do nothing. Never again is now,” Robison told the Journal.
Another protest, “For the Love of Democracy,” is scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at 2:30 p.m. on the sidewalk of Argyle Ave and Spring Street.
Heather Spaulding \ Staff photo A group of protesters demanding the release of five year old Liam, and justice for the two victimes, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Heather Spaulding \ Staff photo A protester advocates not just for defunding ICE, but for releasing the Epstein files.
Heather Spaulding \ Staff photo One of the signs at the courthouse Jan. 30
Heather Spaulding \ Staff photo One of the signs at the courthouse Jan. 30
