Protesters march through Center City Philadelphia demanding an end to ICE raids
Demonstrators filled the streets outside the federal courthouse in Center City Philadelphia on Monday, calling for an end to ICE raids and increased immigration enforcement.
The protest began outside Philadelphia Immigration Court before growing into a march through downtown.
Chants of "no more ICE" and "stop the raids" echoed as immigrant advocates, faith leaders, lawmakers and community organizations gathered at Market and 9th streets in front of the federal building that houses Philadelphia's Immigration Court.
Protesters said they chose the location because it is where, they claim, ICE agents have been taking people.
Organizers described the rally as an effort to replace fear with hope.
"We owe it to our children and to our elders who have gone before us to stay bound together," said Rev. Alisa Lasater Weailoo of First United Methodist Church of Germantown.
The crowd eventually moved into the street, marching from the courthouse to Philadelphia's ICE field office on North 8th Street while singing and holding signs.
"Seeing so many people gathered here reminds me that we are all part of something much, much bigger," said Rev. Sophia Gamber of Bensalem United Methodist Church.
Organizers said the demonstration was also meant to highlight deaths connected to ICE enforcement, including Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and 46-year-old Parady La, who recently died while in ICE custody in Philadelphia. His name was among the dozens read aloud during the rally, honoring people who died in ICE custody.
Participants said their fight is not only against ICE but also against racism, drawing parallels to the civil rights movement.
"My grandmother was an organizer, and she worked with Dr Martin Luther King junior," said protester Vashti Bandy.
Rev. Gregory Holsten of Just Nation added, "I know where MLK would be on this day if he were still alive. He'd be right here!"
Protesters vowed to continue raising their voices against ICE.
"I think there's strength in unity, and I don't think no one's free until everyone is," said protester Khaiar Clemonds.
The group behind Monday's demonstration holds weekly protests at the Philadelphia ICE office and says it plans to continue pushing for an end to ICE enforcement.
