Across the nation, people chose not to attend work, school, or shop, all to make a statement.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Hundreds of people gathered in Uptown Charlotte on Friday as part of the national โICE Out of Everywhereโ rally, calling for accountability and changes to federal immigration enforcement policies.
Across the nation,ย protesters chose not to attend work, school, or shop – all an effort, they say, to make a statement.
The Charlotte demonstration saw protesters holding signs reading โNo ICEโ and โICE Go Home,โ while chanting and marching through the city.
Organizers say the rally is part of a broader national movement demanding an end to what they describe as dangerous and unconstitutional immigration practices.
The protest follows recent incidents in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were killed during federal immigration operations – events organizers say have intensified calls for action across the country.
โWe really do run this country, and itโs time to come together and show them that we can take the power back if we organize for it,โ said Sabrina R., a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. โThe violence happening in Minnesota and the violence happening here – it affects all of us. So itโs our duty to stand with the calls coming out of Minnesota right now,โ she continued.
Local organizers emphasized that change must begin within communities, starting with local leadership.
โFrankly, all change starts at the local level,โ said Tony Siracusa, Media Director for Indivisible Charlotte. โWhether it be working with city council or the state legislature, it all starts locally in order to impact a larger chain.โ
Organizers say rallies and demonstrations will continue across the nation until they see meaningful action and policy changes.
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