Protests against ICE in Smith County

LINDALE – East Texans gathered near Highway 69 in Lindale to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minnesota on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the protestors joined demonstrations being held across the state and country after the killing of Good, which has prompted nationwide debate over ICE operations. An organizer from Saturday’s protest explained why they came out to demonstrate.

“To wake up and open their eyes to all of the illegal activities that are being pushed on us by the Trump administration, he is totally ignoring the Constitution of the United States of America,” Smith County Democratic Party precinct chair Tony Johns said. “We’re going to put a stop to it and protest is a visible main means to let everybody know that the Democrats are alive and well, especially in this very conservative part of East Texas.”

Hispanos y Chicanos Unidos and Indivisible Smith County are holding another protest at Bergfeld Park at 1 p.m. on Sunday as a part of the nationwide ICE Out For Good Nationwide Weekend of Action. Later at 6 p.m. in downtown Tyler, Indivisible Smith County will host a candlelight vigil in honor of Good.

“The mobilization comes in response to the escalation of ICE violence in our communities, the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old wife and mother of three, and the months-long pattern of unchecked violence and abuse in marginalized communities across America,” Indivisible Smith County said. “Across the country, communities will gather in nonviolent, lawful, and community-led actions to honor the life lost, demand accountability, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.”