Hundreds in Knoxville march through Market Square to protest ICE, military sent to LA
A few hundred people gathered in Market Square and briefly marched through downtown Knoxville on June 13 to protest the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and President Donald Trump's recent use of military at protests in Los Angeles.
Knoxvillians of all ages − some with kids on their shoulders − gathered around 7 p.m., with signs and chants against Trump's immigration policies.
Protests erupted in central Los Angeles throughout the past week over the president's immigration crackdown and decision to send the National Guard and Marines into the Southern California city, USA TODAY reported. Protests have now spread across the nation, including in Knoxville, calling for change.
Members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation organized the Friday night protest in Knoxville. The crowd marched from Market Square to the Howard H. Baker Jr. Federal Courthouse just a few blocks away while chanting for justice, peace and accountability for the president's orders being carried out by ICE.
Rain prompted most of the demonstrators to disperse just before 8:30 p.m. after marching from the courthouse back to Market Square.
Hannah Freeman, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said the demonstration was in direct response to the National Guard being sent to Los Angeles.
"We have a very strong community here that loves all our neighbors, and we believe there's a right for liberty and justice for all, due process for all and a pathway to citizenship for all," Freeman told Knox News. "We want people to recognize there is an issue going on in this country; our neighbors are being kidnapped and forcibly detained and deported. This might be on your neighbor's doorstep today, but it could be on yours tomorrow."
Nationwide protests titled "No Kings" will be held June 14. Two are planned in Knoxville, one downtown and the other at John Tarleton Park.
Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville anti-ICE demonstration, Market Square protest draws hundreds
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