JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly a hundred protesters gathered outside Jacksonville’s federal courthouse Thursday evening, joining nationwide demonstrations after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a woman in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The “emergency action,” organized by the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA), saw about 90 minutes worth of speakers before marching from the federal courthouse to the Duval County courthouse, as their chants echoed off the walls in downtown.
“We are here to say no to ICE,” Vanessa Alvarez, a JIRA organizer, said. “No to their occupation in all of our cities and demand justice for Renee [Good] and prosecute the man who murdered her.”
Good was shot and killed during an incident involving an ICE officer. Demonstrators said the video is concerning and called on the officer to be prosecuted.
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While the incident occurred in Minnesota, Jacksonville activists emphasized its connection to local immigration enforcement concerns. Organizers pointed to detention facilities near Jacksonville, arguing that the shooting highlights broader systemic issues.
“I think it shows that not only are undocumented folks unsafe at the hands of ICE and the hands of police,” Alvarez said. “But it’s everyone, everyone’s unsafe. Anyone who sticks their neck out for people who are most vulnerable, they can possibly be murdered.”
As night fell on downtown Jacksonville, organizers promised continued demonstrations in the weeks ahead. The local protest joined similar actions happening across the country in response to Good’s death.
“I know a lot of people are scared, but I think people are fighting back, fighting for a future that serves all people all across the country,” Sara Mahmoud with the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network said. “I’m happy to say that Jacksonville is part of that.”