Community members and local activists gathered in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood on Sunday to participate in a peaceful demonstration aimed at advocating for urgent immigration reform and the reunification of families affected by federal immigration enforcement.
The event, titled “ICE Out of Houston,” commenced at Ervan Chew Park, where organizers from Immigrating Youth Texas collaborated with various community groups. Demonstrators marched through the neighborhood, traversing Dunlavy, Bissonnet, and Sunset Boulevard, ultimately concluding their march near the Sam Houston Monument within Hermann Park. Many participants also opted to make their voices heard from several pedestrian bridges over U.S. Highway 59, holding signs that conveyed their messages to passing motorists.
Local organizers encouraged attendees to carpool, arrive early due to limited parking, and prepare for fluctuating weather. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.
Participants expressed their solidarity with immigrant families, voicing concerns over what they perceive as unjust targeting by federal authorities. Ivonne Aguirre remarked, “History repeats itself. We’ve been there, done that. Being the best country in the world, we cannot let this happen.” Another attendee, Hiliro Reyes, shared his discontent with current national immigration policies, stating, “I’m here because of what’s happening with the administration. I’m not happy with it, but I am in support of my Spanish family.”
Many demonstrators highlighted the diversity of the crowd, with Pollethe Ramirez noting, “It’s not just Hispanics, it’s everybody. You see a melting pot of people coming to support a cause.” Others spoke about the importance of using their voices despite their fears. Laura Gonzalez emphasized the need to speak out, saying, “We have to come out. We have to use our voice, it’s the only thing we have.” Elizar Valdez, a person of color, admitted to feeling apprehensive but felt compelled to participate, stating, “I feared coming today, but I was raised to always fight for what is right.”
Organizers view the protest as a crucial opportunity to advocate for change in a peaceful and visible manner, reinforcing the call for comprehensive immigration reform and an end to family separations.
