On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a peaceful protest organized by the Arc of Justice saw dozens of anti-ICE demonstrators marching over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. Over 100 participants took part in the demonstration, which was aimed at honoring Dr. King’s legacy while voicing their concerns over ICE enforcement in Minneapolis and across the United States.
The march commenced at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, where community leaders emphasized the significance of MLK Day beyond merely being a day off work. Speakers highlighted the day’s role in reflecting on civil rights struggles that hark back to the 1950s and 60s.
As they marched, protesters chanted the name of Renee Good, a woman tragically killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis just two weeks prior. The event not only commemorated Dr. King but also served as a powerful statement against what rally organizer Minister Kirsten John Foy described as “the greed of executives and the bloodthirst of ICE.” He articulated the essence of the march, emphasizing a commitment to peace and humanity, akin to Dr. King’s approach to activism.
Following the rally, participants took a lap around 26 Federal Plaza, the New York City headquarters of ICE, before proceeding to Foley Square. In a symbolic act of remembrance, several city landmarks were set to light up in red, green, and black later that night, celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing fight for justice.
This demonstration not only honors a pivotal figure in American civil rights history but also highlights the contemporary struggles against systemic injustices. The commitment of the protesters reflects a hopeful desire for change and justice, reminiscent of Dr. King’s unwavering fight for equality.