Dozens Peacefully Protest in Homestead in Support of Immigrants
Community Comes Together to Show Support
In Homestead, dozens of residents peacefully protested Friday in support of immigrants and against President Donald Trump’s policies. The protest was organized by Jonathan Osbun, a former New York firefighter who feels a connection with the immigrant community and wanted to help.
Business Owners Worry about the Impact of ICE Raids
Some business owners believe the threat of ICE raids is hurting their bottom line because too many families are afraid to leave their homes. "Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!" people chanted as they gathered outside city hall. Many were draped in mostly Mexican and Salvadoran flags and voiced a clear message.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Sisters Katrina and Kayla Carrillo showed up to the protest to represent their mom, who is an immigrant. "My sign says my mom fought for me, so I’ll fight for her," said Katrina, with tears in her eyes. "For someone to tell us that we’re criminals or that our families are here for nothing is not true, because not everybody is here for the wrong things, my mom’s here to fight for us to give us a better life."
Ripple Effect on Local Businesses
Osbun explained that the fear many families feel is also having a ripple effect on local businesses. "People are afraid to go to work and it affects their family also, and it affects us as outsiders when we go shopping," he said. One business owner, Ruth Clabell, reported that things have been slow at her Main Street beauty salon in recent weeks. "We could see it with the clientele like usually on a Friday it would be busier," she said.
Conclusion
The protest aimed to show the immigrant community in Homestead that they have the support of their neighbors. "Homestead is the way it is because of immigrants," said Samantha Martinez. The organizers hope that their message will be heard and that the immigrant community will feel empowered to go out and enjoy themselves, without fear. "They can come out here, enjoy their life, have fun, shop, have dinner with their family," said Osbun.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the protest?
- The protest aimed to show support for immigrants and against President Trump’s policies.
- Who organized the protest?
- Jonathan Osbun, a former New York firefighter, organized the protest.
- What were the concerns of the business owners?
- Business owners were worried about the impact of ICE raids on their bottom line, as families were afraid to leave their homes.
- What was the outcome of the protest?
- The protest aimed to show the immigrant community that they have the support of their neighbors and to encourage them to feel empowered to go out and enjoy themselves without fear.
