A recent string of ICE related violence in multiple states has triggered protests across the country, including a national strike, participated in by the community of Cleveland High School. 

 It all began on Wednesday, Dec. 7, when a 37 year old U.S. citizen in Minnesota, Nicole Renee Good, was fatally shot by an ICE agent shortly after dropping her son off at school. This was the first of many violent confrontations that would continue to occur throughout December and January. 

Good was parked in a residential neighborhood in her car, when an ICE agent demanded she open her door. According to footage captured, as her car started to pull forward, an ICE agent in front of the car shot her twice. 

AP News cited that the death of Good marks at least the fifth death related to the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown. 

Due to Good’s death as well as ICE illegally entering school grounds a few days after, all schools in Minneapolis cancelled classes for the rest of the week. 

ICE violence has only continued to increase in Minneapolis, and another innocent Minnesotan, Alex Pretti, was shot ten times after attempting to help a woman who was shoved to the ground by an ICE officer. Many were outraged by the death of Pretti, who was only 37, a nurse and well respected veteran. 

Meanwhile in Portland, a man and a woman were shot by a Border Patrol Officer. Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Conteras were also in their car when they were shot, just like Good. They are now in stable condition according to authorities. 

The continued violence incited by immigration officials has led to outrage and concern regarding the safety of local communities, particularly in cities such as Minneapolis and Portland.

Portland has been holding protests at the ICE facility since June, but efforts have amped in response to these events. On the night of Good’s murder, Portlanders gathered downtown near Terry Schrunk Plaza to hold a vigil for Renee Nicole Good, bringing flowers, candles and signs. Protests have only continued to escalate after the shooting of Nino-Moncada, Zambrano-Conteras, and Alex Pretti.

While protestors have urged the ICE facilities to shut down across the nation, the Trump Administration has doubled down on border patrol practices. 

“The vehicle was used to hit this officer. It was used as a weapon, and the officer feels as though his life was in jeopardy,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said, regarding the shooting of Good. The footage still remains unclear whether the vehicle touched the officer. 

The Portland shootings were also dismissed, under the defense that the two victims were illegal immigrants with ties to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Bob Day, the Portland police chief, confirmed these connections. Keith Wilson, Portland’s mayor, made a statement in a press conference, still asking ICE to halt the operations in the city.

The effects of these violent murders and confrontations have been felt throughout the country.

Students, business owners, and workers across the country participated in a nationwide strike against ICE on Jan. 30 in response to these incidents. The goal was to protest against ICE and create an economic “blackout”  by keeping businesses closed, not going into work or school, and not making any purchases.

At Cleveland High School alone, 474 students in total were marked absent on Jan. 30, said Isaac Camacho, attendance coach. Of that total, 31 actually called out for “civic engagement.” In contrast, the next day there were 150 absences recorded, he said.

Numerous protests were held in Portland on both Friday and Saturday, with large turnouts of thousands of people. In particular, many Portland high schoolers and young people were drawn to a protest in Glendale Park.

“We’re here because we want to be with other students and protest with our community,” said Clementine Smith, a student.

Students flocked to the park to chant, carry signs, and even sing, “This Land is Your Land.” Many community leaders of organizations such as the the Party of Socialism and Liberation as well as a Filipino youth advocacy group gave small speeches, and were met with great support.

“This isn’t just a protest, this is showing we are a community,” said one of the student organizers from McDaniel High School.                                                        

However, on Saturday, a peaceful protest down at the South Waterfront facility turned violent when ICE agents began to deploy tear gas and even rubber bullets on protesters, including small children. Many are outraged by the lack of accountability taken by ICE and elected officials for the violence towards peaceful protests and civilians. 

As tensions only continue to increase, people are beginning to question the legitimacy of ICE and Border Patrol practices, and the threat they pose to both already marginalized communities and the general safety of the public. Many believe it is time to abolish ICE. It is important to continue to stay informed during this time, and the American Civil Liberties Union website offers helpful resources and information regarding immigration rights and First Amendment rights.