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“It’s hard to see our democracy turning into a dictatorship. It’s one of the most distressing things that’s ever happened in my life in the past 80 years.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Sacramento on Friday, calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be kept “out of everywhere” as they rallied in solidarity with an economic shutdown taking place in Minnesota.
The group moved from Cesar Chavez Plaza to Downtown Commons, then marched to the John Moss Federal Building before heading back to Cesar Chavez Plaza. Protesters said the demonstration was held in support of immigrants and in opposition to ICE.
About 400 people gathered at Cesar Chavez Plaza, circling the center of the park and chanting as a band played nearby. Robert Meagher, a retired pediatrician who joined the protest, compared ICE agents to thugs.
“Because they have no political police training, they are masked, they can do anything they feel like, and they don’t follow any laws,” said Meagher.
Organizers said the Sacramento rally was meant to show solidarity with hundreds of Minnesota businesses expected to close Friday as part of an economic shutdown protesting ICE. More than 700 businesses were expected to participate in the strike, which was organized by local faith leaders and unions. Participants were urged to avoid shopping and, if possible, stay home from work.
Even from more than a thousand miles away, Sacramento protesters said they feel impacted by ICE actions.
“I’m personally affected because I’m an American citizen, and I’m seeing how American citizens are being harassed. Today’s Minneapolis, tomorrow it could be Sacramento, it could be any city,” said Jesus.
Meagher said he blames Congress for allowing President Trump’s administration to move forward with increased immigration enforcement.
“It’s hard to see our democracy turning into a dictatorship. It’s one of the most distressing things that’s ever happened in my life in the past 80 years,” said Meagher.
After chanting for about an hour and a half at the plaza, protesters marched through downtown, traveling from I Street to DOCO before walking behind the John Moss Federal Building.
At the federal building, Brent and Eva Schwartz said they brought their children to the rally out of fear of ICE activity.
“I’m scared ICE will end up at my kids’ school. I love my kids. The idea that they would, they’re invading — this is scary,” said Eva.
The family said they hope changes are made, citing concerns about people being harmed during ICE actions.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | Sacramento protesters back Minnesota strike against ICE
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