More than 200 people showed up in unified opposition to the ICE raid. (Photos courtesy of Larry Moss)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near the George Eastman Museum early Tuesday was met with vocal opposition from activists and community leaders as roofers targeted by officers remained in a standoff.
Officers first stationed near Westminster Road and East Avenue, arresting one person who was completing work on a roof. Two other workers remained on the roof as a crowd of activists, attorneys, clergy, and community members gathered until 11 a.m. to protest the unfolding event.
Officers first stationed near Westminster Road and East Avenue.
“There’s two guys on the roof right now that are day workers,” said bystander Patrick Tobin. “I showed up, there (were) other workers here, and they took one guy who had a permit, he’s been working here for 25 years, he’s got a baby on the way, (and) never had any legal issues whatsoever.”
“There are a lot of people here who care very deeply about what’s happening in our country, and people are just not going to tolerate this,” said Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart, who was in the crowd. “It just so happened that people were able to respond quickly to get here and to make it known that this is not acceptable in our communities.”
Video courtesy of Kelly Cheatle
Organizations like Metro Justice and the Graduate Labor Union at the University of Rochester had notified the public of ongoing activity, alongside members from Spiritus Christi Church and First Unitarian Church. More than 200 people showed up in unified opposition to the ICE raid. Speakers with bullhorns provided words of support to those on the roof in Spanish, while attorneys sought to assist them in any way they could.
“Within an hour, several hundred people, including lawmakers and clergy, showed up to witness and protect our neighbors,” said Michi Wenderlich, Metro Justice campaign and policy coordinator, in a statement. “Rochester shows up to protect each other, and I’m proud of our community.”
With their vehicle tires slashed and a growing crowd surrounding officers and vehicles, ICE agents left the area without arresting those remaining on the roof. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.
“To round up hardworking people who’ve done absolutely nothing wrong,” said Barnhart. “The image of these two men just sitting on a roof, scared for their lives. It is heartbreaking.”
Narm Nathan is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and a member of the Oasis Project’s inaugural cohort.
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
Related