Advocates share ways for NYers to safely protest ICE
Press Clip Source: Public News Service
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Advocates are advising New Yorkers on how to protest safely, amid growing backlash after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
The federal government is cracking down on demonstrations, insisting the ICE officer acted in self-defense and President Donald Trump is considering the Insurrection Act to quell the unrest.
Roz Lee, head of the U.S. mission for the group Nonviolent Peaceforce, said their localized training offers information about protesting safely.
"Helping people know their rights, providing tips and tools on protest safety, de-escalating violence, and being able to respond to any medical emergencies," Lee outlined.
Other tips Lee feels people should keep in mind are letting someone else know when you are going out protesting, always attending protests with another person and keeping some form of identification on you, like a driver’s license or passport.
ICE’s encroaching presence across the U.S. has fractured communities as immigrants and ethnic minorities worry about being swept up in raids. But after spending several days in Minneapolis, Lee noted the protests have been uniting community members.
"Because it’s very cold here, there are people who are trained as paramedics, doctors, and nurses on-hand and on call to make sure people are physically safe," Lee observed. "Neighbors are providing food to protesters."
She added many different faith leaders have also been opening their doors to offer forms of aid. Lee believes people in Minneapolis have learned from others across the nation about how to be neighbors to people showing up for protests.