Despite a “checkpoint blockade” outside the Cedar Rapids ICE Field Office and a small police presence, hundreds of people gathered for a “protective action” to support families at their routine immigration check-ins.
Leaders of Escucha Mi Voz and the Catholic Worker House on Tuesday, Sept. 2, denounced the police presence, which they said was planned in advance, as an abuse of power “to hide detention and deportations from the public view,” according to a news release from Escucha Mi Voz.
Escucha Mi Voz said the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Services (DHS FPS) told the group on Aug. 26, that they were establishing a checkpoint and blockade, shutting down Square D Dr. and the surrounding area.
Though no streets were closed, Tuesday’s rally attracted rouhgly 12 officers while access to the office lawn was restricted with caution tape. A police car blocked the entrance driveway, allowing only people with an appointment to be within 100 feet of the building. Protesters gathered on the opposite stoop and behind the caution tape, with enough space for traffic on Square D Dr. SW to pass.
Organizers warned protestors that if they did not allow room for cars, law enforcement would likely shut the rally down.
Four families, which were escorted by Catholic Worker House emerged from their 8 a.m. check-ins amid cheers and applause.
By 9:45 a.m., each family had emerged from the office. No one was detained during the visit.
Jacky Torres, an immigrant from Honduras, visited with ICE officials early on Sept. 2. She spoke through a translator, expressing gratitude to the crowd before joining the line for her check-in.
“I have a check-in today, and I’m so thankful for all of you for being here with me today. Thank you, Escucha Mi Voz,” Torres said. “They can put up cop cars, but they can’t block our families, or block our community, our Iowa community. We walk with power… I’m hoping to God that I’ll be walking out of there.”
Local organization continues to accompany families at ICE check-ins
Escucha Mi Voz’s first “protective action” was held on Aug. 5, six weeks after 20-year-old Pascual Pedro, a West Liberty resident from Guatemala, was detained during a routine check-in.
Pedro, who was in the country illegally but granted an “order of supervision” that allowed him to remain under certain strict conditions, was deported over the July 4 weekend.
The Cedar Rapids ICE office has become a site of frequent protests over the past few months as frustration and outrage have grown over Pedro’s deportation and President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Escucha Mi Voz has escorted several immigrants to a handful of recent check-ins.
Organizational leaders and residents suggested Tuesday’s barricades were a ploy to “hide detentions and deportations from public view.” The supporters were “reaffirming the right of the people to accompany families, bear witness to injustice, and speak truth to power,” Escucha Mi Voz said in a press release.
Protective action ‘underscores solidarity’ with immigrants in Iowa
Tuesday’s gathering was organized in solidarity with immigrants.
“No one goes in alone. We bear witness; our voices, cameras, and stories stay in the light. We speak truth to power,” said Dr. Emily Sinnwell with the Iowa City Catholic Worker House. “This is a powerful and principled gathering rooted in love, justice, and community.”
The crowd chanted “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcomed here,” Immigrant rights are human rights,” and “I don’t see a riot here, why are you in riot gear,” which were direct at the dozen Cedar Rapids Police officers scattered around the property.
Several local faith leaders led the crowd in hymns, prayer, and song as the crowd waited for the families to exit the office.
Speakers continued throughout the morning, including Iowa House Rep. Elinor Levin and Rep. Angel Ramirez. They both expressed a desire to support immigrants, while denouncing other like Gov. Kim Reynolds and the decision to deploy the national guard to assist ICE with “administrative” support. Levin and Ramirez said the fight for immigrants is lawmakers’ fight, too.
The rally continued until the last family walked out of the office.
“I got one more year. I thank God that I made it out of there,” Torres said after she emerged from the office. “Thank you all for being here with me today and accompanying me. I feel stronger now, seeing all of you out here with joy on your faces.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen reporter Ryan Hansen contributed to this article.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Supporters peacefully rally outside Cedar Rapids ICE office amid small police presence
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
