(The Center Square) – Two dozen or so locals in the Lehigh Valley gathered over the weekend to protest federal immigration raids making headlines across the country.
A demonstration, organized by several Easton Area High School students, drew support from members of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, and other community members who said they learned of it through social media. The protest comes amid heightened national attention to immigration enforcement.
Approximately 25 people carrying anti-ICE signs marched the mile from Cottingham Stadium at 11th Street, down Northampton Street, to Center Square Circle.
Chants of “What do we want? ICE Out. When do we want it? Now,” accompanied by a drum, could be heard from a block away as the group approached. In Center Square, a handful of onlookers watched, but no counterprotest was visible.
Cheyenne Cahoon, a member of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, or LVDSA, and the Emergency Response Network, told The Center Square she heard a few honks from drivers she interpreted as supportive, along with one or two shouted comments she could not make out.
She was there, she said, because as a socialist, she believes in building an equitable society, and the rights of all people – workers, immigrants, women, minorities.
“And what’s happening right now is horrifying,” Cahoon said. “They’re stealing our neighbors; they’re violating our rights.”
She also believes enforcement actions are not limited to people with criminal convictions, alleging that people are being targeted based on appearance or language, and that activists, bystanders, and legal observers are also at risk.
The event was promoted via social media as one of “love, community, and respect,” with organizers warning that violence or harassment would not be tolerated.
Another LVDSA member, Lukas Gumbrecht, said he attended to support the students and help keep the event safe and lawful. He said that after seeing “a little drama” on some community pages, he rallied his like-minded friends, including some who are trained protest marshals.
Gumbrecht told The Center Square that as a local high school student just over a decade ago, he was threatened with suspension after putting up posters and wearing an “I heart boobies” bracelet in support of breast cancer. He said he wanted young people and first-time protesters to see what a good, orderly protest looks like.
“This is exactly what we want to be about – showing up to these types of organizational movements and being able to help people stay organized and on the right path,” said Gumbrecht.
He carried stacks of “Know Your Rights” cards in several languages, which is something recommended in ICE Watch Trainings by States at the Core, or STAC.
Safety being a prime concern – especially after the Minneapolis shootings – the organization is hosting a series of 90-minute online training sessions focused on best practices for safely and lawfully observing, reporting, and recording immigration enforcement operations without escalating risk.
The organization says it has trained more than 40,000 people nationwide over the last year. Training covers what and how to observe, communication protocols, and guidance not to interfere with law enforcement or bring weapons or illegal items – and they urge participants to consult local and state laws.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it lodges immigration detainers after establishing probable cause to believe an individual is removable – typically after having been convicted of crimes, and is considered a public safety or national security threat. The convictions are often for offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, burglaries and robberies, and drug and human trafficking.
ICE stresses that when state or local law enforcement agencies honor detainers and notify them prior to releasing a potentially dangerous individual, the person is taken into custody in the facility’s safe setting. When this doesn’t happen, officers pursue the individuals in the community, and these at-large arrests are more dangerous for everyone.
