Protesters take to downtown Albuquerque against Trump immigration efforts
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Friday night, hundreds took to the streets of downtown Albuquerque to protest federal immigration enforcement in the country. Most of downtown was shut down for the evening, with protesters calling for an end to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in America.
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The sound of strumming guitars and chants for change filled the air as downtown Albuquerque was packed with protesters expressing their anger toward the federal government. One speaker emphasized, “It’s important to have the community together at a time like this when our neighbors and our families are in stress and are scared of even going out in public because ICE is not only detaining criminals but legal citizens.”
Starting at 5 p.m., demonstrators gathered at Civic Plaza demanding the abolition of ICE. This protest is one of many taking place across the country against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
In preparation for the protest, several roads were closed in downtown Albuquerque. Police presence was kept to a minimum, with mostly public safety assistants and an Albuquerque police helicopter flying overhead. Another speaker noted, “It is very beautiful seeing our community come together for a specific cause, you know everybody loving each other, being there for each other.”
However, Lomas Blvd. was shut down by the protesters between 3rd and 4th Streets as they made their way to the federal courthouse. Some graffiti was visible along the route. Protesters remained peaceful but firm in their demands for change. One expressed, “I know that people are feeling very hopeless right now, but I want them to know we’re here for you. We’re here for the community, and we’ll fight for you no matter what it takes.”
The protest concluded around 8:30 p.m. Aside from some vandalism, the event was peaceful, and APD had blocked off main roads for the day, with public safety assistants maintaining roadblocks throughout downtown.
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