In solidarity with Minneapolis, Erie residents braved the wintry weather this afternoon, holding a demonstration in Perry Square.
They oppose the Trump administration’s ICE operation tactics, which have now led to two deaths in Minneapolis.
Stephanie Logue reports.
A group of Erie residents gathered at Perry Square Sunday afternoon for a short, peaceful pop-up demonstration, braving cold and challenging weather conditions.
The rally followed two recent fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents who were U.S. citizens. Protesters voiced frustration with the Trump administration’s ICE operation tactics, which they believe contributed to the deaths.
The first victim was 37-year-old Renee Good. Most recently, 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was killed over the weekend.
A local demonstrator said action is needed to prevent similar tragedies moving forward.
“We need to pull ICE out of these spaces, and we need to make sure people in these communities can trust each other,” said Trott.
Despite freezing temperatures, protesters said they were determined to show support.
“As you can see behind me, the protesters did not let the cold weather stop them from coming out to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis,” said reporter Stephanie Logue.
For some participants, the issue was deeply personal. One protester said the current political climate reminded him of historical events involving members of his Jewish family.
“Part of me wondered what I would do if or when things started to happen, and I can’t sit back and do nothing,” said AJ.
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche called Pretti’s death a tragedy but defended the administration’s ICE strategy. He also criticized Minnesota for what he described as a lack of law enforcement support.
“And the fact that it’s the administration that’s being blamed for the utter failure of leadership in Minneapolis is not right,” Blanche said.
About 100 people attended Sunday’s rally. While the demonstration was brief due to the weather, participants said they made the most of their time together.