LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Los Angeles protests that started because of immigration raids have spread across the country, including to the streets of Louisville.

Hundreds of people stood together in front of the Louisville Metro Hall to defend immigrant rights and voice their opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

What You Need To Know

  • Protesters gathered Monday night in front of Louisville Metro Hall to defend immigrant rights 

  • The demonstration stemmed from the Los Angeles protests that started because of immigration raids, which have spread across the U.S.

  • President Trump's administration deployed 700 marines as well as 2,000 additional guardsmen Monday to Los Angeles

Amber Johnson, member of the Louisville chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said the protest comes after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and hundreds of active-duty U.S marines to Los Angeles to protect federal agents and buildings in the city.

“The only people invading our communities are ICE and ICE agents and other federal cops and now the National Guard," Johnson said. "It's important for us to stand with our neighbors across the country and even overseas because if one of us loses our right, then all of us lose our rights. We believe that no immigrants are criminals." 

Protester Tim Darst said America has been opening its arms to refugees from all over the world, but no longer.

“Things are changing now, and people are being deported," Darst said. "People are being sent to prison without a trial, without all of those values that we have in America, the freedoms that all people should have." 

Johnson said she rejects the current U.S. immigration policy as she thinks it disregards people's rights and makes it impossible for working people to have a decent life.

“There are more people in this country that care about immigrants and their families, whether they are first-generation or their parents came here," Johnson said. "It doesn't matter. We care about you." 

Darst said this is an issue that can’t be ignored.

“We all just need to be aware of what's going on, understand that if we don't do something, it's going to impact us individually sometime,” Darst said.

The Louisville chapter of the PSL said it will continue to protest and stand in solidarity for as long as it takes.

Trump's administration deployed 700 marines as well as 2,000 additional guardsmen Monday to Los Angeles to assist with maintaining order as demonstrators continue to gather. 

Related Stories