We all know that many protests in California have devolved into pure chaos. Some have even ended up with people getting shot, trampled, or worse. However, some protesters, like those living in Pasadena, are trying to do things more peacefully while also getting their message across. Recently, a group of citizens discovered where many ICE agents were spending the night in the city. Since they are not welcome there, they decided to give these officers a night they would never forget.
Instagram user jeremyreporter captured last night’s event. Protesters in Pasadena learned where ICE agents were staying in the city. Instead of escalating things or doing a violent protest, they decided to visit the hotel and prevent ICE agents from sleeping. They quickly dubbed this the “No Sleep for ICE” protest.
Someone on the Los Angeles subreddit shared more context about the protest. The OP on that subreddit said the following: “They left soon after. Hope they have luck finding a hotel somewhere else 🙄”
However, this protest has sparked a debate from both sides, with one defending ICE agents and the other supporting the protesters.
“Absolutely admirable! This is how you protest in an effective way without damaging anything.” – jonnyskatez via Instagram.
“Let’s find out where these agitators live and return the same favor.” – la30569 via Instagram.
The above statements aren’t surprising, however. We all know the country has never been more divided. Furthermore, the government’s recent actions have clearly made the division even greater. Still, there are a few users who try to provide some context to make everyone reach some sort of middle ground.
“The comments are interesting. It’s amazing to me that they think protesters are pro-“illegals” (maybe they are), the point is ICE is just picking people up with no proof that they are illegal and not giving people due process before deporting them.” – Englishbirdy via Reddit.
The above Redditor tells the sad truth about what’s happening in the country. Previous to the current President’s term, the immigration laws targeted those who were in the country illegally. However, some ICE agents are doing a lot of racial profiling and arresting people without any evidence of them being here illegally. One of the most recent cases involved an 18-year-old student in Massachusetts who was arrested for no reason.
In conclusion, even California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated in an official statement via CBS earlier today, that Trump’s recent choices in regards to deploying the National Guard in LA is a “brazen abuse of power.” Sadly, however, that seems to be Trump’s MO these days.
