First-generation American Guillermo Martinez admits he’s fearful at times when leaving his house. But he’s hopeful protesting will lead to effective change.
SAN ANTONIO — Protestors packed the streets of downtown San Antonio Friday, marching in support of migrants rights and pushing back against federal immigration enforcement as part of a ‘National Shutdown.’
Local organizers estimated the protest peaked at 2,000-3,000 people. The demonstration urged Americans to skip work, school and shopping in an effort to take a stand against immigration enforcement policies and concerns about the condition of facilities that house detained migrants.
Protestors chanted and held signs, demanding the abolishment of ICE and pushing back against what they described as increasingly aggressive federal immigration tactics. Travis Park served as home base for the event where numerous advocates spoke before the march began.
“We’re here to demand ICE out,” said protester Jessica Solis.
Organizers noted the protests are meant to highlight what they describe as systemic injustices, including the treatment of migrants in detention, family separations and deaths connected to law enforcement encounters.
One of the big issues raised during the event were the deaths of anti-ICE protestors Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, Minn.
Advocates said both deaths become rallying points for calls of accountability, transparency and policy reform. Protest leaders emphasized that the demonstrations are not only about immigration, but about what they describe as a broader fight for liberty and justice.
Roberta Simms expressed frustration with enforcement practices she believes result in families being torn apart.
“They come in and they drag them out, destroy their cars, take little kids,” Simms said. “I think it’s just all a big mess.”
One case highlighted during the march was that of 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who was detained by ICE alongside his father in Minneapolis more than a week ago. The Ecuadorian migrants are currently being held at a detention facility in Dilley.
Earlier this week, local activist Jan Realini traveled to Dilley to advocate alongside more than 300 protestors for Liam’s release and improved conditions for migrants in detention.
“These are our brothers and sisters,” Realini said. “We’re all about justice and humanity and health and progress.”
Guillermo Martinez, a first-generation American, said he lives with constant anxiety amid heightened immigration enforcement.
“Every day I’m looking over the shoulder,” Martinez said.
Despite those fears, he says staying silent is not an option.
“Be strong, stand together,” Martinez said. “This is your community. We are family. We’re here with you.”
San Antonio police escorted the march throughout downtown, which remained peaceful.