Crowd gathers for immigration rally at Memphis court
by: Shay Arthur
Posted:
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A crowd of protesters gathered Tuesday morning outside the immigration court in downtown Memphis, after recent arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
About 80 to 100 people showed up before the rally wrapped up around 11:30 a.m. The group said they were here to support those who had a hearing on Tuesday.
Things stayed peaceful as they chanted, sang, and heard from a series of speakers, all supporting immigrants in this country.
“We deserve a pathway to citizenship without being afraid of coming to court and having our cases dismissed and being deported,” said one speaker at the protest.
“Things are escalating all over the country and we are seeing lots of people being raided, detained here in Memphis,” one woman said.
“We have been hearing about ICE coming to immigration court and taking people as they’re here for their cases, so we’re also here in solidarity for the people who are here out of fear,” said Anu, a protester.
“Right now is the time to protest and make our voices heard. The more that we hide and show fear the more our rights are on the table for being taken away,” said Anu.
A state trooper circled the block but never got out of his vehicle.