Indy shows how protests 'can (and should be) done' during NBA Finals, police union president says
An anti-ICE protest that drew hundreds merged with an NBA Finals game that pulled thousands to downtown Indianapolis, all while millions were watching a city pushed into the national spotlight as the Pacers took on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
And the whole thing went off without serious issue.
While basketball fans lined up to file into Gainbridge Fieldhouse about 7 p.m. June 11, people chanted outside the arena to protest federal deportations, first staging at the corner of East Georgia and South Pennsylvania streets before marching a few blocks, occasionally blocking traffic.
"Last night showed (protests) can be done safely and without violence," cheered Indiana police union leader Rick Snyder in a statement to media. He vowed police "will always protect the Rights of Americans to peaceably assemble and petition their Government for redress of grievances."
The Indianapolis demonstration remained nonviolent, in contrast to anti-immigrant protests in Los Angeles, where a city-wide curfew was implemented after days of clashes between law enforcement and agitators.
Just before 7 p.m. June 11, about a dozen protesters handed out flyers and signs to passersby. The crowd grew as the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's officer presence also increased. A speaker pointed toward basketball fans during anti-deportation speeches, prompting at least two people to yell "Go Pacers!" and a short chant of "USA."
Indianapolis police were seen carrying pepper ball guns, less-than-lethal weapons that shoot balls designed to burst on impact and release pepper powder. None were fired. In a speech, one organizer told protesters not to antagonize law enforcement.
An organizer said the crowd was a thousand people at its peak, while Indianapolis police put the count at about 500 based on drone footage and crowd density.
Indianapolis police urged protesters toward the sidewalk as the group marched downtown. At one point, law enforcement moved crowds so an ambulance could pass. Marching ended on East Georgia Street around 8:30 p.m.
"IMPD, KKK, IOF, it's all the same!' the crowd chanted, referring to the Ku Klux Klan and Israeli Occupation Forces. "I prefer crushed ICE," read one sign referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who facilitate deportations.
Snyder said he applauded law enforcement agencies and Indianapolis residents for showing how peaceful assembly "can (and should) be done."
Hours before the protest, images and rumors circulated online indicating ICE raids may have occurred near 42nd Street and Richelieu Road in Lawrence.
On June 11, IndyStar reporters spoke with neighbors in the area who confirmed law enforcement activity. The owner of a self-serve laundry in the area also said they caught video of law enforcement in the area.
A since-deleted social media post shared around 7:30 a.m. depicted several photos of men wearing vests that said "Police ICE."
Lawrence Police Department said it was not aware of or involved in any ICE arrests in the city, and ICE officials did not respond to IndyStar questions about it at the time of publication.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis protest shows how they 'can (and should be) done,' FOP says
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