People Rally in Evansville Against Immigration Raids
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A group of people stood outside in the rain Tuesday, raising their voices against what they say are immigration raids happening across the city.
Local police confirmed that federal immigration agents were in the area. That news spread fast, and within hours, protesters gathered outside the federal building downtown, led by local groups Evansville Resistance and Evansville Indivisible.
Wendy Bredhold was one of the organizers. She said people came out despite the weather because they felt they had no choice.
“We know this is the first step in authoritarian governments and some of the worst and most horrific episodes in human history,” Bredhold said.
She said the biggest concern is the lack of transparency, and the fear that constitutional rights are being ignored.
“We believe if they can take someone without due process, they can take anyone,” she said.
Several people took the mic to share personal stories. A preschool teacher said she’s worried about her students’ families. Another woman, who gave her name as Jessica, said ICE’s presence has fueled racism in the community. Her daughter is Hispanic.
“We are calling on our representative in Evansville — Congressman Mark Messmer — to speak to the people he represents,” she said.
Bredhold also urged Indiana lawmakers not to back any bill that supports deporting undocumented people.
Not everyone agrees. Others in the community told us they support ICE’s work and believe it’s part of enforcing immigration laws.
