(The Center Square) \u2013 Two dozen or so locals in the Lehigh Valley gathered over the weekend to protest federal immigration raids making headlines across the country.<\/p>\n
A demonstration, organized by several Easton Area High School students, drew support from members of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, and other community members who said they learned of it through social media. The protest comes amid heightened national attention to immigration enforcement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Approximately 25 people carrying anti-ICE signs marched the mile from Cottingham Stadium at 11th Street, down Northampton Street, to Center Square Circle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chants of \u201cWhat do we want? ICE Out. When do we want it? Now,\u201d accompanied by a drum, could be heard from a block away as the group approached. In Center Square, a handful of onlookers watched, but no counterprotest was visible.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cheyenne Cahoon, a member of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, or LVDSA, and the Emergency Response Network, told The Center Square she heard a few honks from drivers she interpreted as supportive, along with one or two shouted comments she could not make out.<\/p>\n
She was there, she said, because as a socialist, she believes in building an equitable society, and the rights of all people \u2013 workers, immigrants, women, minorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what\u2019s happening right now is horrifying,\u201d Cahoon said. \u201cThey\u2019re stealing our neighbors; they\u2019re violating our rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also believes enforcement actions are not limited to people with criminal convictions, alleging that people are being targeted based on appearance or language, and that activists, bystanders, and legal observers are also at risk.<\/p>\n
The event was promoted via social media as one of \u201clove, community, and respect,\u201d with organizers warning that violence or harassment would not be tolerated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another LVDSA member, Lukas Gumbrecht, said he attended to support the students and help keep the event safe and lawful. He said that after seeing \u201ca little drama\u201d on some community pages, he rallied his like-minded friends, including some who are trained protest marshals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gumbrecht told The Center Square that as a local high school student just over a decade ago, he was threatened with suspension after putting up posters and wearing an \u201cI heart boobies\u201d bracelet in support of breast cancer. He said he wanted young people and first-time protesters to see what a good, orderly protest looks like.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is exactly what we want to be about \u2013 showing up to these types of organizational movements and being able to help people stay organized and on the right path,\u201d said Gumbrecht.<\/p>\n
He carried stacks of \u201cKnow Your Rights\u201d cards in several languages, which is something recommended in ICE Watch Trainings by States at the Core, or STAC<\/a>.<\/p>\n