CT immigration advocates, businesses take part in 'Day Without an Immigrant' protest
Dozens of immigrant-owned businesses kept their doors closed for the day, and thousands of immigration advocates took to the streets to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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It was a full day of protesting in Danbury as the city has seemingly become the epicenter of a federal immigration enforcement crackdown.
"I just wanted to show my support and show those that are in fear and hiding because they're scared of what's happening in the streets," Danbury resident Kat Smith says, "That there are people speaking up."
Dozens of immigrant-owned businesses kept their doors closed for the day, and thousands of immigration advocates took to the streets to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The march, which was organized by Greater Danbury Area Unites for Immigrants, started at the city library and ended at Kennedy Park.
The group says over 60 people were arrested by ICE agents in Danbury last week.
"The plan is to make as much noise as possible for as long as possible," volunteer Seth Garben says. "That is the end goal... that ICE never comes back to Danbury."
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended ICE agents.
"Every day people enter this country legally," Mullin says. "When you choose to take the shortcut, you have made a decision to enter this country illegally and break our nation's laws."
Gov. Ned Lamont says the state is connecting those arrested with legal representation.
"I've had some communication with Homeland Security. They keep saying, 'We're arresting the worst of the worst,' I say, 'You're arresting moms and dads.' Lamont says. "They're detaining people. They're sending them out of state... We're trying our best to get them in contact with legal, make sure those folks have representation, and get them back to their families."
