OVER THE WEEKEND: Central Oregon joins nationwide anti-ICE protests
People across the country — including here in Central Oregon — participated in anti-ICE protests over the weekend following the deadly shooting in Minnesota and a recent shooting in Portland.
Central Oregon turned out in numbers on January 10 to demand accountability, to honor the life lost, and to protest the unchecked violence and abuse carried out last week by federal immigration enforcement authorities both in Minneapolis and Portland.
Rallies took place in Sisters, Redmond, Bend, and La Pine.
An estimated 300 people lined the streets of downtown Redmond Saturday afternoon to protest what organizers described as the increasing authoritarian policies and violence of the Trump administration, according to Redmond Indivisible.
An estimated 60 people showed up in Sisters and 115 people in Bend.
“Once again our people did not disappoint,” said Barbara Tate, a Redmond Indivisible spokesperson. “Three hundred plus turned out with 24 hours notice.”
The peaceful protest drew the attention of more than 100 passing motorists who honked their horns in support.
Protesters filled the sidewalks at Wall Street and Greenwood Avenue in Bend, while similar events were held in Sisters, Prineville, and La Pine.
A vigil was held Sunday night at Drake Park.
Saturday’s protest was a prelude to a nationwide day of protest set for Tuesday, January 20.
The “Free America Walkout” will encourage individuals to walk out of their workplaces, schools, and commercial activities to defend democracy and protect civil liberties.
Nationwide, protests in cities across the country drew large crowds, including massive demonstrations in Minneapolis following Wednesday’s fatal ICE shooting.
Minneapolis police said one hotel sustained damage, with 29 arrests and one officer injured.
Federal officials released surveillance video showing the aftermath of the shooting as Renee Good’s SUV crashed into parked cars.
The Department of Homeland Security said Good had been following officers over the course of the morning.
The shooting, caught on multiple cameras, involved ICE officer Jonathon Ross, who fired the deadly shot.
The Trump administration said the officer fired in self-defense.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Representative Angie Craig visited local ICE headquarters but were only briefly admitted before being turned away.
“What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties,” Omar said.
Craig added, “We are better than this. This is not a partisan statement. We are better than this, America.”
