Cleveland plans anti-ICE protest after 2nd Minneapolis killing
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Cleveland activists are organizing an emergency protest against ICE at Public Square at 5pm Tuesday, part of a wave of local responses to the killing of Alex Pretti by a federal Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis Saturday.
Why it matters: The protest comes amid rising fear and uncertainty after back-to-back fatal shootings in Minneapolis and a surge of immigration enforcement nationwide under the Trump administration.
- The local demonstration demands an end to "ICE terror" and calls to "expand the general strike," according to a flyer circulating online.
What they're saying: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb condemned the violence unfolding in Minneapolis, calling the loss of life "tragic" and urging restraint over escalation.
- "Actions that create fear, chaos, or confusion do not make our communities safer," Bibb said in a statement, calling for transparency and accountability in the Pretti killing.
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin was even more direct in a statement following the killing of Renee Good earlier this month.
- "Ultimately, I echo Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey," he said. "ICE needs to get the f--k out of Minneapolis and every other city it has invaded before more people are harmed by this government-sanctioned hit squad."
The intrigue: Cleveland police sought to tamp down local panic last week after a flurry of unconfirmed ICE sightings, reiterating that they do not enforce federal immigration law.
- "CDP officers will never ask about an individual's immigration status," the department said in a statement.
Zoom out: Students across Cleveland are also mobilizing.
- Hundreds walked out of classes last week at more than nine local schools, chanting "no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here."
The big picture: The Minneapolis shooting has triggered congressional scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security.
What we're watching: The growing tension in Washington could result in a government shutdown this weekend, politically charged hearings and even an impeachment vote.
Go deeper: Minnesota takes rare legal steps to ensure probe of Alex Pretti shooting