If you drove past Kalamazoo City Hall Monday night, it was nearly impossible to miss the hundreds of protestors. The anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rally was organized by chair Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialist of America.
“We are protesting ICE violence highlighting the uptick of deaths in Minnesota,” K Babcock, co-chair Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) said.
Babcock said they expected between 300 to 400 protestors to line both the steps of City Hall and Bronson Park. One of those was student, Mike Fahey.
“I hope that our national representatives start to put more pressure on the President, on the administration to take action against ICE,” said Mike F., a student attending the protest. “I hope that local politicians, if ICE ever tries to establish a presence here in Kalamazoo, know to take action against it and know residents will not accept it.”
Babcock said that one of DSA’s demands to local politicians. “We need to take a stand, we need to show people where exactly our morales align with and not be wishy washy,” she said.
At about 6:30, Babcock and other protestors made their way into City Hall for the public comment portion of the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting, which lasted until after 1 a.m. You can watch the full meeting here.
PMN reached out to Kalamazoo City Hall for the city’s official stance on ICE but did not hear back.
