Hundreds protest ICE in downtown Syracuse, joining National Day of Action

Dan Bagen, a 73-year-old retiree, said he has observed American political injustice since protesting in the streets during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, he came to Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the deadly actions of ICE agents. 

“I came to rally against this thug in the White House and all of his little minions that are creating havoc in our country,” Bagen said.

Hundreds of protestors gathered at Clinton Square at 4 p.m. on Friday, lining the sidewalks of North and South Salina Street. Between 600 and 900 ICE OUT demonstrators attended, said event organizer and marshal Spike, who represents Syracuse’s chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Spike requested to be referred to under a pseudonym for safety concerns. 

Protestors gathered for Syracuse’s Stand with Minnesota ICE OUT, part of the “National Day of Action,” to call out Trump’s immigration policies. Across the country, businesses closed and people stayed home from work and school as part of the movement, led by student group organizers at the University of Minnesota. Hundreds of demonstrations against ICE unfolded nationwide, as protestors demanded immigration enforcement officers out of their communities. 

The shutdown is to focus on stopping “ICE’s reign of terror,” according to an Instagram post announcing the event. The national day follows in the footsteps of protesters in Minneapolis, St. Paul and greater Minnesota, who came together last Friday in outrage over the killings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter and immigrant detainees.

Spike said they saw a lot of solidarity and support from local Syracuse businesses. The Sweet Praxis donated three boxes of coffee to protesters and Parthenon books ensured any participants could warm up inside their store, offering free tea, coffee, or hot cocoa as well. 

Protesters had signs shaming ICE’s immigrant deportations and advocating for the protection of immigrant lives. Other signs said “Protect people, not power” and “Children’s lives matter.”

Chanting continued until after 5:30 p.m., calling out the Trump administration and its complicity in the killings and cruelty against Americans and immigrants. Chants were booming by the entirety of the crowd, “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation,” “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” “Justice for Renee Good,” and “Salt melts ICE.” 

Five CNY activist and grassroots organizations orchestrated the event, including Syracuse Peace Council, Party for Socialism and Liberation Syracuse, PSL Finger Lakes, Syracuse’s chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace and Syracuse DSA. These organizations also directed the “ICE OUT FOR GOOD” protest and vigil held at Clinton Square on Jan. 12.

Photo by Cassie Roshu

Two protesters embrace during the anti-ICE demonstration Friday at Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse.

Despite organizing several events together, Spike said the five groups have yet to unite as a single voice for outreach and local advocacy.

“We haven’t solidified as a public coalition yet, but it seems like the more and more we work together, it might be something that happens because we’re organizing in a way that resonates with people,” Spike said. 

Across from Hanover Square, Emma Flint stood with her 5-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son and his friend from their second-grade class, who Flint requested to remain anonymous for safety concerns.

Flint’s son’s friend, who was standing on a five-foot mound of snow holding up her hand-drawn poster, has begged to attend a protest since they all drove by the No Kings! protest last October.

“I wanted everyone to be welcome, and I wanted everyone to have the right to be here,” the 8-year-old friend of Flint’s son said. “My poster says, ‘Love wins, hate loses, you belong here.’” 

Flint said it has been difficult explaining and educating her children on the Trump administration and how immigrants in the U.S. face separate challenges from their own families. 

“You have to word it in a way where we’re not instilling fear in them, but also making them aware of how scary things can be for others right now,” she said.