Immigrant youth lead anti-ICE protests in south Louisiana

Kenner, Louisiana, Dec. 13 – Around 75 people rallied for immigrants’ rights along busy Williams Boulevard in Kenner. This Jefferson Parish town is about 30% Latine and has become a focal point of Donald Trump’s ICE invasion. 

The diverse crowd stayed out for over two hours. Youth played a prominent role, often leading chants and keeping the energy up. One of the most popular chants was simple and direct: “!ICE fuera!” or “ICE out!” The response from passing drivers was overwhelmingly positive. 

When asked who organized this action, several people said that community members who are not known activists were the driving force, putting out the call because they are ready to fight back. New people are being drawn into the struggle.

But several organizations participated. These include Unión Migrante, New National Christian Leadership Movement, and the Louisiana branches of Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

At least two additional anti-ICE demonstrations happened today within New Orleans city limits. And about 40 miles northeast of New Orleans in the town of Slidell, dozens protesting against ICE terror lined Gause Boulevard near the intersection with Front Street. They did the same yesterday and plan to be out again tomorrow. As in Kenner, youth are playing a leading role. A participant told SLL:

“Both sides of the street were filled. … It was great to see those kids out protesting. Even though my mom heart felt very protective.”