Protestors ask local politicians to protect immigrants following increased ICE activity in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A crowd of activists and community members made their way to the steps of Richmond City Hall on Monday, August 11, to condemn recent ICE raids in the area.

During the press conference, speakers from a variety of activist groups outlined steps they want taken by local and state politicians to get ICE out of Richmond.

“We demand that you stand here with us and that you fight with us. Now is not the time to be complacent,” Josue Castillo with New Virginia Majority said.

This rally comes after a surge of ICE raids across the Richmond area in recent months.

That includes the detainment of a 21-year old Latino man taken from the Southwood neighborhood while on his way to work on July 30th.

Protestors Monday shared a letter they say Ricardo wrote, describing his experience being detained and deported, all within a handful of days.

In it, he writes that ICE agents shattered his car window and wouldn’t let him talk to his mother while being detained. He also said he and the other detainees in the ICE detention camps with him were mistreated.

By August 2nd, Ricardo writes he was deported back to his home country.

“Now that I am in Honduras, I don’t go outside. I feel alone and afraid,” Ana Edwards with the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice, and Equality, said as she read the letter. “I miss my mom and my little brother. I miss my home. It is important for me to share my story because there are so many like me”

Online court records show Ricardo had some traffic violations and also misdemeanor counts of assault and battery that were set aside for now.

Protestors said Ricardo was not given proper due process when ICE detained and deported him.

Virginia Republicans have applauded the increased immigration enforcement. During a Virginia State Police press conference on July 2, Governor Glenn Youngkin stood behind ICE’s action.

“If you’re going to break the law and you’re here illegally, you’re going to be detained if you’re going to be arrested. And by the way, that’s common sense,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin is now directing the Virginia National Guard to help with ICE operations.

Protestors Monday see these actions differently.

“These racist narratives, policies, and borders only serve to protect the interest of the rich, dividing us and literally separating families,” Gustavo Espinosa with Villas Virginia Immigrants for Life, Liberation, Autonomy, & Solidarity said.

Speakers listed out their demands for politicians.

That includes banning all local collaboration with ICE, getting rid of FLOCK surveillance cameras, and providing legal and financial support to individuals who are detained.

The group also called on ICE agents to unmask themselves and have identification on them.

Monday’s press conference ended with a request for the public.

“We live in times that require all of us, and the best from each of us, to care for one another and keep each other safe,” Espinosa said.