About 100 people protested Jan. 8 in Akron’s Highland Square in response to the fatal shooting in Minnesota involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
The protest was led by the Akron Party for Socialism and Liberation.
“We are here in solidarity with those protesting the shooting and demanding ICE out of our own communities, as well as all others around the country,” said Matthew Charlebois from Akron PSL.
On Jan. 7, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot in Minneapolis by an ICE agent. The incident involving Good, who had three children, drew condemnation from local and state officials in Minnesota.
Thousands came out to the shooting site the night of Jan. 7 and protests continued Jan. 8 in Minneapolis.
While Minnesota’s leaders called what happened an unjustified attack, federal authorities say the agent was acting in self-defense. The FBI will investigate the shooting.
The agent was among 2,000 federal officers that the Trump administration had announced it was deploying to the Minneapolis area in what the Department of Homeland Security described as the “largest DHS operation ever.”
Akron protesters speak out
Many young protesters in the Akron crowd said they felt they needed to be there to shine a light on the cause and express their right to speak up.
“Every day I’m just sitting around I’m complicit. And I can’t do it anymore. You know, I had plans today, but those plans got canceled,” said 20-year-old Wes Goin of Akron.
“It’s really important that we as a community show up and that we don’t let them quiet us. We have to keep filming. It’s our right to do so,” said Kassie Kirven, 28, of Akron.
25-year-old Olivia Kirven said she isn’t scared to speak out about ICE.
“They expect us after something like this to just be quiet because she was an innocent person and she got killed and they expect us to be scared of that,” said Kirven.
Organizers then held a moment of silence for Good before continuing with their chants and holding up anti-ICE signs along the street.
In addition to the Akron protest, one was planned for Stow at Graham and Darrow roads on Jan. 8.
Congresswoman Emilia Sykes demands accountability
U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, released a statement urging a full investigation and accountability for Good’s death.
“The video of the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good is devastating to watch and raises questions about the use of deadly force,” said Sykes. “This event must be treated professionally and with a full investigation and complete transparency. As ICE agents have been deployed across the country, the administration must ensure they are adequately trained to de-escalate tense situations and maintain the safety of the American people. I will work with my colleagues to ensure accountability and safety.”
Timberwolves hold moment of silence before game against Cavaliers
The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves held a moment of silence to honor Good before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Jan. 8.
Video of the Timberwolves’ broadcast of the tribute, posted to the r/NBA subreddit and reviewed by USA TODAY, shows that the moment of silence was punctuated by a fan yelling “go home ICE” followed by cheers.
USA Today and Reuters contributed to this report. Alisson Toro-Lagos is a reporter for the Beacon Journal; she can be reached via email at atorolagos@usatodayco.com.
This story has been updated.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron protesters add voices to ICE criticism after Minnesota shooting
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
