“That’s part of what our problem with ICE in the first place is clearly, they’re just not trained. They don’t want to de-escalate. They’re not interested in that.”
SAN ANTONIO — Several hundred people gathered Saturday at Alamo Plaza as part of what organizers described as a national day of action, voicing opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and criticizing recent actions by the federal government.
About 300 to 400 people attended the peaceful rally in downtown San Antonio. Demonstrations were held in multiple cities across the country amid growing public debate over immigration enforcement.
Many participants said they were frustrated by ICE operations and the fear they believe those actions have caused in immigrant communities. The protest was also fueled by anger over the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota earlier this week involving an ICE agent.
“We’re protesting ICE, particularly in response to the recent murder of Renee Good in Minnesota,” organizer Alex Svehla said.
Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot and killed Wednesday in Minneapolis by an ICE agent while inside her vehicle.
Protesters at Saturday’s rally said they believe the agent’s actions were overly excessive.
“That’s part of what our problem with ICE is in the first place,” said one protester. “They’re not trained. They don’t want to de-escalate. They just want to be the aggressors.”
Among those attending was Haley Urdialez, who brought her husband and three sons to the rally. She said participating was about setting an example for her children.
“I need to show my kids that there are people who are fighting the good fight and that we’re going to be a part of it,” Urdialez said.
Not everyone at Alamo Plaza agreed with the protesters’ message. One demonstrator said the ICE agent involved in the Minnesota shooting was justified in using force.
“He’s got to be able to protect himself,” said Guy Cini. “He is enforcing the laws on the books. He was able to protect himself from a vehicle that was being used as a weapon.”
Roman Gomez, a Gulf War Veteran said he attended the rally because he believes recent developments in the country are troubling and said public dissent is an important part of democracy.
“It’s important to understand that the government works for us, not the other way around,” he said. “If a lot of your constituency doesn’t agree with what’s going on, maybe you need to change the way you’re thinking.”
Organizers also criticized the Trump administration for publicly defending the ICE agent before the completion of any investigation into the shooting.
Urdialez said she believes immigration enforcement officials have contributed to divisions within communities and said protesters must respond with compassion.
“If the opposition is going to chant hate loudly, we need to chant love even louder,” she said. “I want my kids to be courageous and speak up when something is wrong — whether it’s against the government or a bully at school.”
The rally concluded without incident.