Thousands gathered at Union Square on Friday joining what organizers call a national “Day of Truth and Freedom,” marching in solidarity with Minnesota, where communities say immigration enforcement has sharply intensified.
“We understand it is a collective struggle,” Bronx resident Kaeillyn Marie said.
What You Need To Know
Thousands gathered at Union Square on Friday joining what organizers call a national “Day of Truth and Freedom”
Demonstrators marched in solidarity with Minnesota, where communities say immigration enforcement has sharply intensified
Minnesota has become a major focus of immigration sweeps, with a border official claiming thousands of arrests in recent weeks, while local leaders criticize the federal tactics
The urgency fueled by scenes playing out in Minneapolis, like federal agents detaining a 5-year-old boy after he got home from preschool, taken along with his father.
Minnesota has become a major focus of immigration sweeps, with a border official claiming thousands of arrests in recent weeks, while local leaders criticize the federal tactics.
The Trump administration argues ICE actions are legal and necessary for public safety.
“I think it’s really important for us to be prepared and get organized,” Brooklyn resident Aaron Krishen said.
From Union Square, the crowd marched through Manhattan, stopping outside companies they say have ties to federal enforcement.
And for many, this was the line in the sand, saying they don’t want those ICE tactics spreading to other cities.
“I want to set a model for my daughter who already understands, like they’re shouting behind us. This is a very shameful time in our country,” Brooklyn resident Claire McCue said.
One place protesters demonstrated was outside Home Depot in Manhattan, accusing the company of profiting from and enabling immigration enforcement actions.
In a statement to NY1, a spokesperson said, “Those claims are just false. We are not informed when these activities are going to happen, and we’re in no way involved in the operations. We cannot legally interfere with federal enforcement agencies, including preventing them from coming into our stores and parking lots.”