More than 300 people gathered outside Dallas City Hall Tuesday evening – the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration – to protest violence involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers across the country.
Demonstrations in Dallas and Beyond
Shortly after 6 p.m., people of all ages assembled near City Hall, chanting slogans such as “Donald Trump let’s be clear, immigrants are welcome here” and “Unite and fight for immigrant rights.” Protestors also shared resources and information on how to respond to encounters with ICE officers.
Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of community connection and support in the face of these issues. “I think that it’s reasonable and appropriate to express disapproval,” said Dallas resident Pete Glaze. “I also think it’s good to have something to point towards. Reminding people of our shared humanity during a time of dehumanization is something I feel is very important.”
Artists Glaze and Monty Monster Slayer created and displayed a painting with the message “Baby Jesus was an asylum seeker,” spending approximately two days on the artwork specifically for the demonstration.
Protestors are calling for the arrest of Jonathan Ross, the agent reportedly involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Macklin Good. The crowd responded to this call with the chant, “If we don’t get it, shut them down.”
As the protest continued into the evening, participants marched toward Commerce Street, receiving support from onlookers who cheered from rooftops and windows.
Recent ICE Actions Spark Outrage
The Dallas demonstration was one of several across the country responding to the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good on January 7 during an immigration operation in Minnesota. The day following Good’s death, federal immigration officers shot and wounded two people in Oregon.
Azael Alvarez with El Movimiento DFW stated, “What’s happening is so unfair, and we’re here to remember Renee Nicole Good and many others who were murdered by people who are in our streets causing fear and intimidation.” Alvarez also emphasized the widespread presence of the movement, stating, “We are everywhere,” and listing various areas of Dallas.
This rally followed a similar protest in Dallas on January 8, where over 400 people demanded greater oversight of the agency. Elise Damara with the National Alliance Against Racism and Political Oppression commented, “It could’ve been anyone,” regarding Good’s death.
While Trump and his administration have characterized the shooting as an act of self-defense – claiming Good used her vehicle as a weapon – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed this claim as “garbage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protests?
The protests were prompted by the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good by ICE agents in Minnesota on January 7, and a separate incident in Oregon where federal immigration officers wounded two people the following day.
What were the protestors chanting?
Protestors chanted slogans including “Donald Trump let’s be clear, immigrants are welcome here” and “Unite and fight for immigrant rights.” They also chanted a demand for the arrest of Jonathan Ross.
Where did the protest take place?
The protest took place outside Dallas City Hall, beginning shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
How will these demonstrations influence future policy or actions regarding immigration enforcement remains to be seen, but continued advocacy and calls for accountability are likely to shape the conversation moving forward.
