SALT LAKE CITY — Protesters gathered in downtown Salt Lake City Sunday afternoon, showing their opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents across the country.
The event came in direct response to the second fatal ICE shooting that occurred in Minnesota, and there appeared to be hundreds, if not thousands, of people who showed up.
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Each person in attendance had their own reason for being there.
“I am especially here today because of Alex Pretti and the way he was murdered yesterday,” said Krysta McClellan. "I think of all the people who he took care of in the ICU, who he eased their passing and comforted them while they died, only to have him die in the street.”
“In our school, we have so many immigrants, and they're all just so nice,” said Emmie Law. "Them being treated like they're not just our friends is really upsetting.”
“I just don't want to have to grow up in a place where there's so much hate and fear,” added Berkley Porter.
Protesters marched from the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building on State Street all the way to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Building at 660 S. 200 East, with Salt Lake City Police blocking off the streets.
“We shut the streets down. I think that is the right way to protest, is to show strength and solidarity and to get out and show that we are the majority, that people want to see peace,” said State Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City).
UDOT traffic cameras show the size of the crowd:
However, protesters told FOX 13 News that the work doesn’t stop after the protest ends.
“I know all of our thoughts are on making our own lives work, like finding rent and paying for food and all of that, but we have to think of a bigger picture, and what we want in like, 5-10 years, what we want for future generations, and that's just as important,” McClellan said.
Future generations were in attendance on Sunday, like Lucy Law and her group of friends.
“I'm proud of these guys," she said. "This is some of their first protests. And, I mean, I'm in political science up at the U. I’m hoping to continue and to change America, I can do what everyone's telling us to do."
“It's everyone's job to stay informed," her friend Ada Porter said, "And even if you think that it doesn't affect you, or you don't need to educate yourself in politics, it's just coming down to basic human rights and empathy."
“I truly need to see more love and definitely awareness. I think people need to open their eyes more to see what's happening around, and I think we need to start hearing both sides of the story,” added their other friend, Riley.
