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On Saturday, a large crowd gathered on both sides of the Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls, with hundreds attending the demonstration. The rally which had over 350 participants aimed to show solidarity with families at risk of separation due to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, as federal authorities intensified immigration enforcement efforts, reported East Idaho News.
Some of the signs at the protest read:
"No human is illegal on stolen land"
"The Pilgrims were undocumented! #KnowYourHistory,"
“Immigration reform.”
“Families belong together.”
The event organizer for Shantelle Duran emphasized that Hispanics and other immigrants contribute as business owners, employees, students, friends, and neighbors. In a statement to East Idaho News, she said:
“We are here today to stand against racial profiling and unjust immigration policies that target our communities… We contribute to this country just like everyone else."
Duran also emphasized that the American flag represents immigrants as well. She continued:
"The American flag represents us, too, and we will not be intimidated into silence. Our message is clear — we are here, we are staying, and we will continue to fight for our rights.”
A protest similar to the Idaho one also took place in Los Angeles
The ongoing search in ICE raids has and increased the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration triggered another demonstration on Sunday when hundreds of protesters took to the streets, temporarily halting traffic on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles.
The protest, which began at Olvera Street, quickly escalated, with protesters blocking major roadways to draw attention to the issue of immigrant rights and deportation fears. California Highway Patrol posted an update on their X, writing:
"Please avoid the 101 freeway in DTLA between I-110 and Mission Rd., as we work to remove a protest from the freeway. Accessing state highways or roads to protest is unlawful and extremely dangerous because it puts protesters, motorists and first responders at great risk of injury."
Just as in Idaho Falls, the demonstrators in Los Angeles voiced their opposition to the administration's hardline immigration policies, holding signs reading:
"Families Belong Together" and "No More Deportations."
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"No human is illegal on stolen land," and "fight ignorance, not immigrants."
Both protests are part of a larger wave of grassroots movements that seek to challenge federal immigration policies and protect immigrant families from being torn apart. As activists like Shantelle Duran continue to speak out, the nationwide conversation on immigration shows no signs of slowing down.
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