A coalition of Lowcountry activist groups is organizing an “No ICE! No Feds! Emergency Protest” on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Marion Square, downtown Charleston. This rally responds to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman—described as a “legal observer”—by an ICE agent during a federal immigration operation on Wednesday. Organizers demand justice, humane treatment for immigrants, and an end to what they call aggressive federal enforcement.
Key Details from Organizers
- Supporters: Charleston chapters of Community Services Organization, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, 50501 South Carolina, Indivisible Summerville, Democratic Socialists of America, Students for a Democratic Society at the College of Charleston, Lowcountry Action Committee, Charleston Green Party, Free Palestine Charleston, and Party for Socialism and Liberation.
- Quotes:
- Anthony Ribeiro: Condemns DHS and ICE for “hypocrisy and lawlessness,” including detention of U.S. citizens without due process.
- Alfred Peeler (Charleston Freedom Road Socialist Organization): Rejects “Trump’s war on our immigrant neighbors” and calls for community safety over family separations.
Expect speeches from local activists highlighting solidarity with Minneapolis.
Incident Background
Federal officials claim the ICE agent acted in self-defense after the woman’s vehicle threatened agents. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz dispute this, citing video and witnesses showing she was trying to leave. The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating.
Local ICE Context in Charleston Area
Recent operations have heightened tensions:
- November 2025: Two-night raids along Rivers Avenue and Remount Road in Charleston County; reports of SLED targeting “Latino-appearing drivers” before ICE detentions.
- July 2025: North Charleston Ring camera footage shows officers detaining Franklin Arce in a family’s front yard as he left for work.
- June 2025: Raid on a Summerville club (“cartel afterparty”) led to 80 arrests; advocates argue many were unfairly targeted non-criminals.
These events underscore why local groups see the Minneapolis shooting as part of a pattern. If you’re in the area, check Charleston Police or city websites for traffic/parking updates around Marion Square. Planning to attend or need more on local immigration resources?
