Lewiston, Maine, U.S.A. – At rally on Saturday, I spoke before 1,000 people from my community who had gathered to protest the presence of federal agents from the Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) in our town.
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We were all there to support our community members who ICE agents physically and verbally attacked.
Other speakers were citizens from the Somali-American community, policymakers, activists and other people from Maine.
Overall, we offered support for people here in Maine who have been affected by the violence of ICE. Those people have been immigrants, Black, Indigenous, people of color and queer people.
Speakers also talked about fighting back against hate and calling lawmakers to let them know that the people of Maine do not accept what ICE is doing.
A way to fight against hate is by going to community protests and letting your voice be heard, by making noise, and drawing attention to your cause and your opinions. Another way is to support the people who are being oppressed.
Finally, take time for yourself. Taking a break is very important for a healthy, active brain and body to find ways to fight injustice.
What ICE is doing to our community members is evil. It’s horrible to kidnap innocent people from their homes and families.
We have to do everything in our power to fight for the rights and lives of all our community members because when one person gets hurt, we all get hurt.
We must not look away when we see injustice – we must act, call it out, and fight against it.
As I told my neighbors at the rally, “My message to the immigrant community, the queer community, the indigenous community, and all other communities that are affected by the hate of ICE. We the people, we see you, you are not alone, and we will fight for you! And the power of community will always win against hate!”
Carlos Fra-Nero is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
