Protesters Take to the Streets to Oppose ICE Presence in South Nashville
A group of people gathered in South Nashville on Saturday to protest against the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area. The protesters, who were largely Latino, expressed their concerns about the impact of ICE’s operations on their communities.
According to recent reports, incidents involving ICE have decreased in number over the past few days. However, rally organizers claim that the worry and anxiety among predominantly Latino communities remain high. Many attendees traveled from other parts of the region to show support for the cause.
The protest took place at the intersection of Nolensville Pike and Harding Place, where several traffic stops by Tennessee Highway Patrol’s “public safety operation” with ICE had occurred in recent weeks. The Department of Homeland Security reported that during the Nashville operation, 196 individuals were arrested on charges of being “criminal illegal aliens.” Of those, 95 had prior convictions or pending charges.
One protester, Miguel Gomez, shared his personal experience with ICE, stating that he has family members who have been detained and deported by the agency. Gomez, who traveled from Atlanta to show solidarity, emphasized the need for action against racism towards immigrants and Hispanics. He also highlighted the importance of standing in support of marginalized communities.
The protest was organized by Nashville’s branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, with organizers citing the widespread impact of ICE operations on local residents. Construction workers, hotel staff, gardeners, and landscapers were among those who participated in the demonstration, emphasizing that they are not the enemy but rather an integral part of the working class.
US Representative Andy Ogles recently shared a digital flier for the rally on his social media account, tagging ICE’s X account and urging them to send more agents to Nashville. Ogles has also been pushing for an investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who has publicly criticized ICE operations. However, O’Connell remains firm in his stance against the claims made by the congressman.
The protest took place on a busy street corner in South Nashville, where protesters displayed signs and banners expressing their opposition to ICE’s presence. One sign with the number 8647 was seen among the crowd, sparking some controversy after former FBI director James Comey shared a similar post on Instagram earlier this year, which drew backlash from President Donald Trump’s supporters.
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