RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – Anti-ICE protests took place across Vermont this weekend as part of more than 1,000 demonstrations scheduled nationwide following recent shootings by federal immigration agents.
The protests were organized in response to fatal shootings by ICE agents during enforcement operations in Minneapolis, Minn. and Portland, Ore.
Local group Indivisible Champlain Islands said the events were planned to honor Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The group said they wanted to honor everyone impacted, and shine a light on what they called a pattern of violence.
In Bradford, Vermont, protesters gathered Saturday as part of the coordinated effort.
In Rutland, protesters lined Main Street Park Saturday morning. Organizers said they usually see about 40-50 people each week at the park protesting, but attendance grew to over 100 Saturday.
Protesters brought signs and waved at drivers passing by on Route 4. Rutland County Indivisible organized the gathering.
“People from everybody, from all sides to come here and talk to us because we want to hear other, all sides of the story and give them a voice too that’s what we want,” said Rod Munroe of Rutland County Indivisible. “We want communication, we want a dialogue because we’re all, we’re all in this together, we’re all Americans, we all want what’s best for our country.”
Indivisible said they expect to continue holding protests each weekend.
The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting in Portland, Ore. happened during a traffic stop targeting two people they say are in the country illegally and allegedly tied to a Venezuelan gang. According to DHS, the driver “weaponized the vehicle” and fearing for his life, an agent fired.
