Activists protest ICE, Trump in Albertville: ‘Immigrants make America great’
In downtown Albertville, Alabama, a large protest unfolded on Wednesday night against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, sparked by troubling reports of federal arrests and operations in Alabama cities. Organized by Michelle Medina and her friends, the demonstration highlighted concerns for those hesitant to speak out about immigration rights. Waving flags from the U.S., Mexico, and several Latin American nations, protesters chanted slogans emphasizing solidarity and opposition to discrimination.
Demonstrators condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detaining undocumented migrants, holding signs with messages like “Keep ICE out of schools” and “Immigrants make America great.” Their demonstration came on the heels of local tensions that arose when images of Haitian migrants at poultry plants circulated in August, fueling baseless accusations and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Local officials in Albertville acknowledged the protests stem from a growing community concern involving immigrant workers, particularly in neighboring cities like Athens and Sylacauga. Many protest signs expressed the sentiment that immigration positively impacts the community, underscoring statements like “Albertville needs immigrants.” Despite the risks posed by ICE operations, Alabama school officials reported no incidents involving ICE at schools, urging educators to maintain normal enrollment practices.
This event is part of a broader trend in the region, where concerns over immigration and its implications on local communities continue to provoke strong responses from both activists and local authorities.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2025/01/activists-protest-ice-trump-in-albertville-immigrants-make-america-great.html
