Austin student activist group to protest at federal building used by ICE
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A week after a protest at the J.J. Pickle Federal Building in Austin, another activist group has organized a Monday night "noise demonstration" there, according to a press release.
The Austin Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) said in its release that its intent is to "demand an end to deportations, the closure of local [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detention facilities, and legalization for all."
"This protest is held in solidarity with the Los Angeles movement against ICE and tyrannical government rule," an Austin SDS organizer wrote. "Protesters will gather to denounce ICE’s ongoing role in tearing apart families and terrorizing immigrant communities in Austin and beyond, in solidarity with those fighting for their rights in LA."
KXAN Investigates reported in May that ICE had used the 8th Street building as a detention facility.
"This demonstration comes amid a growing national backlash against immigration raids and detentions. Our community will not allow Austin to be complicit in the machine of government tyranny and the harm of our immigrant community," SDS organizers wrote.
The demonstration will start around 7 p.m. Monday, according to organizers.
Recent protests outside the building also happened on June 9 and 14. Law enforcement arrested multiple people during those actions.