Community rallies in Cedar Rapids to support immigrant families during ICE check-ins

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — More than 100 people gathered outside the Cedar Rapids Homeland Security building Tuesday to accompany five families visiting the ICE office for check ins.

Advocacy group Eschucha Mi Voz has been leading the charge in rallying in support of immigrants. It has been especially outspoken following the deportation of West Liberty man Pascual Pedro.

Community members said they are against the Iowa National Guard’s deployment in assisting with federal immigration enforcement.

Escucha Mi Voz said they received this statement from Governor Kim Reynolds’s office, and a spokesperson confirmed it to Iowa’s News Now:

“The Iowa National Guard is aware the Secretary of Defense has approved a memo authorizing additional National Guard personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the conduct of its immigration enforcement mission. The Iowa National Guard stands ready to support our DHS partners in executing the President’s executive orders.”

“Escucha Mi Voz members demand Governor Reynolds keep the Iowa National Guard out of immigration enforcement. Deploying the National Guard against our state’s hard working immigrant communities is morally indefensible and risks widespread violations of civil liberties and constitutional rights,” Escucha Mi Voz member Alejandra Escobar said. “We will be closely monitoring this situation and are prepared to mobilize communities statewide against any action that threatens Iowa families.”

Speakers at Tuesday morning’s event included Johnson County Supervisors, Iowa Senators and Representatives, clergy members of multiple religions, Iowa Catholic Workers, and immigrant families.

“I just want to live in peace, to work, to contribute, and to have the chance to build something new. I’m not looking for charity—just for stability and justice,” Escucha Mi Voz member Julex Barcasnegras said before her check-in on Tuesday. “I hope my story is not ignored, because behind every immigrant there is a heart fighting to survive and to dream.”

This is a developing story. Check back to this webpage for updates.