FORT WAYNE -- Dozens of people gathered in downtown Fort Wayne Thursday night to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, joining demonstrations happening nationwide after the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis earlier this week.
The local protest was organized following the circulation of video from the Wednesday shooting of a 37-year-old mother in Minneapolis, which sparked public outrage and renewed criticism of ICE enforcement practices. Organizers called on Indiana state and local leaders to end cooperation with ICE.
Demonstrators first assembled outside the Allen County Courthouse, where they held signs and displayed banners before marching through downtown. The group later moved to the E. Ross Adair Federal Building, which houses local offices for U.S. Sens. Todd Young and Jim Banks.
Participants used phone calls, emails, and social media to pressure elected officials, urging them to oppose ICE activity in Fort Wayne and support sanctuary-style policies. Protesters said the demonstration reflected broader concerns within immigrant communities and a desire for solidarity and political action.
Fort Wayne was one of several cities across the country where residents rallied this week to protest ICE enforcement and call for changes to federal immigration policy.