By: Eleni King Martin

In light of recent events, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has become the recipient of widespread protests. Across the country, citizens of the United States have come together to protest the recent brutality ICE has been displaying. In local events, the citizens of Lancaster have come together in a march for protest and a candlelight vigil to honor those killed by ICE agents. 

For some background, ICE was formed in the early 2000s after the 9/11 attacks. ICE’s stated purpose is to “protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety.” That was a direct quote from the official ICE website and information portal. However, in recent months, ICE has begun to stray away from this purpose. Part of President Trump’s stated plan in his presidency was to crack down on undocumented immigration. His chosen Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DoH), Kristi Noem, has only encouraged this cause. Together, President Trump and Secretary Noem have deported nearly half a million immigrants since the start of Trump’s second term. A supposed near 2 million immigrants have fled the country in fear of persecution and deportation. Over 70,000 immigrants have been sent to ICE detention camps as of January 2026 (this information came from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp80ljjd5rwo)

Though this may seem like a victory for the DoH, and the ”protection” of the United States, the reality has been quite the opposite. At the beginning of Trump’s presidency, he stated that his aim was to deport 10 million undocumented immigrants. President Trump’s desperation for deportations has caused the deportations of several US residents with legal status, such as green card holders, international students/ student visa holders, and even US citizens. 

In turn, the retaliation against President Trump and ICE agents has spread like wildfire. American citizens have come to the defense of their neighbors and loved ones, as the Trump administration has been anything but just in recent months. 

What once started as deporting undocumented immigrants, has transformed into an excuse for domestic barbarity. Several American citizens have fallen victim to ICE’s brutality, with Renee Good, Keith Porter Jr, and Alex Pretti being just a few. The memorial held in downtown Lancaster was a direct response to Alex Pretti’s murder, and focused on his impact in the Minneapolis community. 

The protest in Lancaster started at Reservoir Park, and protestors marched to Penn Square, located in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Thomas McCoy, a junior at McCaskey who was present at the protest states that he saw a “united community of Lancaster. It was really special to see so many people united for the same goal, and showing up in freezing temperatures to fight for what they believed in.” This protest not only created an impact for students, but it also reflected Lancaster’s “Welcoming City” policies. Though Lancaster City is not qualified as a Sanctuary City, it has classified itself as a Welcoming City. This means that though the city does not have full independence from ICE, immigrants are still welcome and safe within the community. 

In response to these trying times, the Lancaster community has banded together to fight for what we believe in. Strengthening our communities and our connections to those around us is what will get us through these distressing times.