Update on Jan. 29, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, a protest that was organized against ICE and President Donald Trump's deportation policies nationwide occurred on Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville.
The protesters spanned between Henry Ward Way SE and the Downtown Gainesville parking deck on Main Street.
"No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here," the crowd of over 150 could be heard chanting during the protest.
Cars going down Jesse Jewell Parkway were honking in support for the protest that began at 5 p.m.
"We had a really good turnout," University of North Georgia Student and event organizer Kiaya Reddicks said. "Genuinely didn't think this many people would come out, but I should have known, because the immigrant community really comes together when they need each other."
Mirian, a protester who showed up, said her parents should not have to live in fear.
"They don't have any criminal record. They should not be scared," Mirian said. "While Trump has 34 felonies, and he's our f------ president. It's just not fair for my parents that have come here and paid taxes, not receiving anything back."
Most that came said they wanted to oppose Trump's immigration policies that threatens undocumented immigrants. They also claimed that most immigrants here without documentation are not committing crimes, but rather working and paying into benefits they will never see.
The day of the protest was also the day that Trump signed the Laken Riley Act.
The act was named for a nursing student who was killed by an unauthorized immigrant while jogging on the University of Georgia's campus that would require the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Trump said on Wednesday that there are 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to "detain the worst criminal aliens threatening the American people," according to the Associated Press.
"People have a right to an education," protest attendee Madison Lussier said. "A lot of the labor that is ... happening in Gainesville is through immigration and immigrants."
Reddicks said that the protest would last until around 7 p.m. for the safety of those in attendance.
"They belong here just as much as we do," Reddicks said. "I don't understand why people have hate in their heart."
Original story published on Jan. 29, 2025 @ 12:53 p.m.
A protest is being planned against immigration raids and deportations nationwide on the Downtown Gainesville Square Wednesday afternoon.
University of North Georgia Student and event organizer Kiaya Reddicks says the protest, which is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., aims to stand in solidarity with the immigrant community in the area.
“It's peaceful, but also you need to stand up for people who may not be able to get their voice out for themselves,“ Reddicks said. “The Gainesville community really does love our immigrant community, because they are such a big part of our community.”
The Hall County Democratic Party has also shown its support for the protest. The demonstration is the second of its kind in Gainesville in the last week, as another group held a protest on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Lt. Kevin Holbrook with the Gainesville Police Department confirmed Wednesday the protest is a permitted event. Holbrook also said just as with any permitted event, the department will be monitoring the situation for public safety.
