Protesters were seen rallying and marching in major cities nationwide, calling for an end to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, as a planned shutdown in Minneapolis resulted in closed businesses and students walking out of classes as part of a strike.
Friday’s protests kicked off at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, with demonstrators – who braved frigid winter temperatures – chanting, “ICE out!” Later in the day, community members gathered at Lake Bde Maka Ska and formed a human “SOS” in protest of ICE actions in the city, according to CNN affiliate KARE.
In New York City’s Foley Square, which has been a frequent site of demonstrations, protesters gathered and held up a variety of signs, some reading, “Protesting ICE is not a crime,” and “Justice for all victims of ICE terror.” The massive crowd then started marching through Manhattan’s streets.
The rallying cry stretched across the nation Friday in different cities, but protesters’ chants and the signs they held echoed the same sentiments, echoing calls to “shut it down,” referring to the federal immigration actions.
In Atlanta, protesters gathered along a street banging drums and chanting in unison: “Immigrants are welcome here!”
Organizers gave speeches and musicians performed in San Antonio – with many clapping along – in a city park before starting to march, CNN affiliate KABB reported.
A massive crowd rallied in downtown Los Angeles outside city hall, with some protesters waving flags and holding up signs as they stood on a ledge of the building, aerial footage from CNN affiliate KABC showed.
Another massive group of protesters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marched through the middle of city streets, according to footage from CNN affiliate KOAT.
Other major protests occurred in Columbia, South Carolina; Philadelphia; Chicago; Milwaukee; Phoenix; Denver; and Austin, Texas.