RI organizations to take part in national shutdown calling on officials to abolish ICE

Progressive and immigrant rights organizations and student groups from across Rhode Island plan to participate in a nationwide general strike Friday opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

The goal of the national shutdown is to put pressure on federal officials to halt federal immigration enforcement funding and operations after the high-profile killings of civilians Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

“It’s horrific that what it takes to get active is these horrific murders,” Beka Yang, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation of Rhode Island, which is taking a lead role for promoting participation in Rhode Island. “But our community here in Rhode Island and across the country are saying that enough is enough.”’

The walkout is meant to emulate the Jan. 23 mass demonstration in Minneapolis, which saw tens of thousands of Minnesotans take to the streets in subzero temperatures to call for an end to federal immigration enforcement operations in their state. 

The protest and march outside the Rhode Island State House in Providence kicks off at 2 p.m. 

Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat running for mayor of the capital city, said he plans to attend. He has requested that the State House facilities team clear some of the remaining snow ahead of the event.

“It’s going to be cold, and we still have sidewalks and streets that are unsafe,” he said. “I want to make sure many community advocates show up and that it’s as safe as possible.”

In an Instagram post Tuesday, the Providence Student Union, a nonprofit representing the interests of young people enrolled in K-12 schools, encouraged students to dress warmly as temperatures dip as low as -13 degrees due to wind chill.

“This walkout is about refusing terror against immigrant communities and calling for justice and showing student power,” the post stated.

Lia Tavarez Sobalvarro, co-director of the Providence Student Union’s leadership team, did not immediately respond to request for comment Thursday.

Suzanne Ouellette, spokesperson for the Providence Public School District, said school officials are aware of possible walkouts by students starting around 1:30 p.m. Friday.

“We shared information about the event with our middle and high school families for awareness and let them know that a school period absence would be noted if a student chose to attend,” Ouellette said in an email. “Students would not face disciplinary action.”

Tenant organizing group Reclaim RI is also participating. Its executive director said he’s ready for his group to stand in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis.

“Reclaim is ready to turn up and turn out,” said Siraj Sindhu. “Providence is not immune — we’re seeing it every day here too.”

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.