Demonstrators braved near-sub-zero temperatures and snow squalls Tuesday evening in Downtown Cleveland to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in solidarity with protestors in Minneapolis, Minn.
The demonstration began in Public Square as organizers addressed hundreds, including students, local business owners and residents from across Northeast Ohio, who waved signs and chanted while legal observers and local police looked on. Participants then made their way to the street, marching down Superior Avenue and chanting, “O-H, ICE OUT!”
Over the weekend, local organizations issued a call-to-action for demonstration following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents on Saturday. Pretti was the second Minneapolis resident to be killed by federal immigration agents this month, following the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good amid heightened ICE activity that has sparked widespread protests.
Cleveland religious leaders, students and activists held a press conference earlier Tuesday to announce plans for a general strike January 30, extending actions underway in Minneapolis where the actions of federal immigration agents prompted the closure of hundreds of businesses and schools. Similar strikes calling for the ceasing of ICE operations are being organized across the country.
Organizers of Tuesday evening’s demonstration, including Cleveland Liberation Center, Boricua Libre Collective and the Party for Socialism and Liberation Cleveland, encouraged people to refrain from working, attending school, or purchasing goods and services on Friday and to attend a 2 p.m. general strike rally that day at Public Square.
Additional photos from the protest are below.
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