Protesters Rally In Danbury After Reports Of ICE Detentions Near Courthouse
DANBURY, CT — More than 100 people gathered Tuesday in downtown Danbury to protest recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which local activists and officials said resulted in the detention of multiple residents near the state courthouse a day earlier.
The demonstration, held in a parking lot between White Street, Moss Avenue and Fifth Avenue, was organized by Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants, a coalition of immigrant advocates.
Protesters held signs and chanted "No borders, no nations, stop deportations," denouncing what they described as unannounced and aggressive enforcement operations by federal agents.
Related: New Haven Teen Speaks Out Over Mother's ICE Detainment: 'You're Causing A Lot Of Pain'
A spokesperson for Mayor Roberto Alves told Patch that neither he nor the Danbury Police Department was notified of the arrival of ICE in Danbury, nor apprised of the agency's activities in the city:
"We do not know what their plans are. Mayor Alves will continue to ensure Danbury follows the State's Trust Act."
That
The legislation restricts how state and local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration officials, particularly ICE. The act aims to limit information sharing with ICE and prohibits law enforcement from detaining residents solely based on a federal immigration detainer.
Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants said it began mobilizing Monday morning to alert residents of ICE's presence and distribute "Know Your Rights" materials. The group
Related: Officials 'Working Hard' To Get Detained Meriden Student Back To CT
The activists posted they have "eye witness accounts of at least between 10-15 community members abducted off our streets. Including two young women merely walking down White Street by the Uncle Sam Statue, and a young mom who was ripped from her car on 5th street by WCSU, leaving toys and groceries in the backseats."
The incident follows other ICE operations across Connecticut in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the agency detained a Meriden high school senior and his father just days before the student's graduation. Last week, four undocumented workers at a Southington car wash were also taken into custody.
Related: Southington Car Wash Workers Detained By ICE From Guatemala: Feds
ICE previously stated that workplace enforcement is part of ensuring business compliance with federal employment laws and maintaining a fair economic playing field.
