INDIANAPOLIS — Protesters lined Broad Ripple Avenue to protest federal immigration enforcement on Friday.
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“Immigrants have always made America better. The country is built on the backs of immigrants," Alida Schleyer with local activist group Indy Resistance said.
Schleyer is concerned about how the state and federal government are treating immigrants, documented or not.
“People oppose these detention centers," she said. “They’re abhorrent. They’re horrible. We don’t need that in Indiana. We don’t want that in Indiana.”
Across town on Monument Circle, Indiana Students Against ICE took to the streets to protest as well.
“Show solidarity with people who are probably too scared to leave their house because they’re scared they’re going to be abducted. That’s what ICE is doing. They’re kidnapping people," IU Indianapolis student Lillian Ray said.
There have been major developments in Indiana regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this week.
“I’m worried about the future of this country. For my son’s family and for all the kids that are going to inherit the country it’s becoming. Aren’t we better than this?” protester Becki Hahn said.
Metro Police released a statement acknowledging planned protests this weekend.
IMPD says lawful assembly is protected. Unlawful activity will result in a public safety response.
Under Indiana law, a person may be subject to arrest for:
- Blocking traffic, emergency vehicles or pedestrians
- Refusing lawful orders to disperse
- Damaging or defacing property
- Threatening or physically confronting others
- Criminal trespass
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Nico Pennisi is the In Your Community reporter for Downtown Indy. He joined WRTV in October 2022. His passion has always been telling the stories of people who often get overlooked. Share your story ideas and important issues with Nico by emailing him at nico.pennisi@wrtv.com.
