Yesterday, federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Jan. 7, 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today, the Fresno community rallied in an emergency anti-ICE protest to honor their lives, and those of others who have faced similar fatalities and law enforcement brutality.
The Collegian interviewed six people during the protest. This is what they had to say:
“Any time we’re told to stand up to bullying, stand up to fascism, this is the direct consequence every single time, and so it’s extremely important that their lives are commemorated and that their lives are remembered,” said protester Trevor Urquidez.
“I served my country, you know, I did my due diligence to be a good American citizen,” said Salvador Gomez, an Air Force veteran. “Seeing people blatantly lie about how people are being treated while wearing a cross just gets to the point where you’re no longer utilizing the teachings as you should.”
“I work with a lot of undocumented immigrants, and I just like to protect my patients,” said nurse and Navy veteran Tyler, who did not disclose his last name. “Us nurses and health care workers are held to a high standard. We need to hold them [law enforcement] to a higher standard as well.”
“I’m a white person who has a lot of privilege, and I need to use that to change what’s going on in this country,” said protester Rebecca P., who did not disclose her last name.
“I’m Black, I’m Mexican, I’m queer, every part of me is politicized,” said protester Ali R., who did not disclose her last name. “Every part of me is not going to be safe.”
“People are starting to see that ICE is no longer just,” said Atticus Martin, media liaison for The Party for Socialism and Liberation. “Now, it’s a full-on militaristic tool for class warfare.”