On Friday afternoon, around 250 people gathered in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, to protest against Target’s partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the impact of ICE on local families, particularly in light of recent controversial actions by the agency.
Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church addressed the crowd, saying, “Families cannot experience joy when they are being unjustly detained.” He urged Target to discontinue its collaboration with ICE to align with its mission of supporting all families.
The protest was part of a broader national campaign called “ICE Out For Good Day of Solidarity.” This movement was ignited by the tragic shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, who was killed by ICE in Minneapolis earlier this month. Protesters highlighted that these incidents reflect a disturbing trend of unchecked violence from immigration enforcement agencies.
While Target has faced criticism for allowing ICE to use its properties, the company did not respond to inquiries regarding the protest. Participants marched from the church to Target, chanting various slogans like “ICE out for good” and “Immigrants are welcome here.” The group included local faith leaders, labor advocates, and community members who share a common goal of protecting immigrant rights.
Brandi Fisher, president of the Alliance for Police Accountability, engaged with a Target manager during the protest, emphasizing the need for the store to take a clear stance against ICE presence. “We expect more from Target,” she declared, hinting at potential boycotts if changes aren’t made regarding ICE’s activities.
The diversity of voices at the protest illustrates a growing coalition of community members who are concerned about the implications of immigration enforcement. Guillermo Perez from the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement stated, “We don’t intend to pay them anything until we see a change of policy regarding ICE.”
Jonathan Mayo, an organizer, echoed this sentiment, underlining the importance of standing together. He mentioned that lessons from history teach us the necessity of solidarity and reaching across community lines during challenging times. The atmosphere at the protest was charged with hope and a willingness to take action, as participants felt energized by their collective efforts.
This protest isn’t just a local issue; it reflects a nationwide movement against the practices of ICE. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, a significant portion of Americans supports immigration reform that promotes a pathway to citizenship while ensuring community safety. Notably, 73% of respondents believe that local businesses should not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The gathering in East Liberty is one of many indicating that communities are willing to fight for their values. As these protests continue, experts point out that public pressure may influence corporations like Target to reevaluate their policies regarding immigration enforcement. As these dialogues unfold, there’s a broader question at play: how do we uphold our values while balancing security and compassion?
