Group protests ICE in Cedar Rapids in show of solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrations
About 30 protesters gathered outside the Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse for an "Eyes on ICE" demonstration, in a show of solidarity for the thousands that have taken to the streets in Los Angeles in rallies against immigration enforcement.
The rally in Cedar Rapids was part of several nationwide displays of solidarity scheduled on Monday, June 9. Other cities included Sacramento, Chicago, Oklahoma City and Detroit, a flyer shared on social media said.
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The movement comes as the showdown between protesters and police escalated over the weekend in Los Angeles, with tear gas and rubber bullets fired into crowds. The conflict between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump has also sharply escalated in recent days, with Trump mobilizing the National Guard to quell protests on June 7. Newsom said he would sue the administration over the move.
The Trump administration announced on Monday evening it would send 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel.
The 30-person group lined Eighth Avenue S.E., just outside of the Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse, a common protest spot, home to the offices of U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and Rep. Ashley Hinson.
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Eirenne Becker volunteers at the Catherine McAuley Center, a Cedar Rapids organization that calls itself a "place of welcome" and helps a wide range of groups in Linn County, including immigrants and refugees.
"We want to make sure that Donald Trump and his administration know that ICE is not welcome," Becker said. "The immigrants and refugees in our community are very important to us and it's important that they stay safe. We're not welcoming a militarization of our community."
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Cedar Rapids ICE protest a show of solidarity with Los Angeles
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