BROCKPORT, N.Y. — A crowd of at least 150 people gathered at the Brockport First Baptist Church to protest ICE’s actions in Minneapolis.

“I went to [protests] for the Vietnam War. And this is nothing like that. Because this is the whole country and the whole world,” Maryellen Giese, a member of Be the Change Singers, said.

The gathering also served as a vigil to remember those who died in ICE custody or at ICE protests.

“I think there should be justice for them,” protester Tyler Barton said, referencing those like Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed while protesting ICE. “There’s all the officers involved in the shooting who should be investigated. And, you know, at the very least fired. But I think especially in the case of Alex Pretti, they need to be put in jail.”

Local pastor Reverend Dr. Dan Brockway traveled to Minneapolis to provide spiritual guidance. He described the situation there as unprecedented, with many stores closed and schools affected by ICE raids.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” Brockway said. “A lot of stores are closed. A lot of restaurants are operating takeout only or a couple of hours a day just to protect both the people who work there and the folks who come and eat there from all the ICE raids.”

Brockway emphasized the importance of solidarity from communities like Brockport. “One of the things that the folks in Minneapolis kept saying to me is, ‘do people outside of our state, do they know what’s going on here? Do they stand with us?’ And I think this sends a big message,” he said.

Monroe County Republican Party leader Peter Elder sent the following statement regarding tonight’s protest:

The loss of life is always tragic. It is essential that the facts be fully established through a thorough investigation before conclusions can be reached. Republicans will continue to support law enforcement and acknowledge the difficult and often dangerous conditions under which officers serve.

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