HELENA — Protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Helena on Wednesday night to call out immigration enforcement practices following the recent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
“If we do not do something right now, we are not going to save our democracy,” said Helena resident Colleen Nichols.
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Over 150 people crowded the sidewalks, bearing signs and sharing their concerns about immigration enforcement's approach to citizens and non-citizens alike.
“It makes me wonder how far down that road we are going to go, and I would like to find a turnaround here shortly," Keith Simon said.
Several demonstrators held candles to memorialize the lives lost due to ice in recent months, and those names were read aloud.
Residents came out to protest for many reasons, whether it be concern for loved ones or neighbors.
Nichols has called Helena home for seventy years and says she came out for her kids and grandkids' futures.
“We need to stay strong, stay together, defeat ICE, get ICE out of our community, out of our nation, and try to convince this administration that we love America and we want to be America strong,” Nichols said.
Despite the frustrations, many say they are pleased with the progress they saw with the City of Helena and the police department.
“We made some progress in the city commission the other night, and we had an opportunity to make more, but progress is slow," Simon said.
“We had a great first step Monday night, passing the resolution,” Nichols said.
The Helena City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday to adopt a resolution clarifying policies for when and how the Helena Police Department will cooperate with federal immigration officials.
As the sun went down, American flags and signs memorializing Renee Good and Alex Pretti were still on display.
