Port Washington community members call for an end of ICE violence with march, vigil
Advocates say more than 60 individuals have died in ICE detention centers or during enforcement activities.
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Dozens of community members gathered in Port Washington Sunday evening for a march, vigil and a call to end alleged violence by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“We’re here to remember those who are dead and to plead for justice on behalf of those who are incarcerated or threatened right now,” said Stan Lacy, of Port Washington.
Advocates say more than 60 individuals have died in ICE detention centers or during enforcement activities.
“It’s becoming more and more dangerous,” said Dave Chapman, who has been protesting for over a year now. “People are literally dying in our streets, and we need to stop it.”
In a statement to News 12, the Department of Homeland Security said there has been no spike in deaths. They say death rates in custody have remained consistent over the past decade at 0.008% of the detained population.
Still, Sunday people came together to honor their memories and call for an end to the violence.
“It's like another sort of fear that it's going to happen here, that it's going to happen to one of the people in this community that we love,” said protest organizer Stacey Mellus.
The evening started with speeches demanding accountability.
“People shouldn't even be forced to leave just because they're afraid that the government is going to take them for no reason,” said 12-year-old Miguel Ulloa during a speech to the Port Washington community.
“The other day, an ICE agent showed up and were waiting at the door. And I was playing soccer with my friends in my street, and we all ran hiding. That's how scared we are,” he added.
Advocates marched down the street protesting ICE and ended the night with a vigil filled with songs of resistance.
“It’s so sad what we’re here for,” Mellus said. “But it gives me so much hope to see just all of these people together and supporting each other.”
