Approximately 400 individuals gathered in Hickory, North Carolina, on Saturday to protest the presence of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in the area. This demonstration was organized to show solidarity with immigrants and to voice opposition against the federal government’s immigration policies.
The protest took place along U.S. Highway 70, stretching from a Murphy gas station at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 321 to a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Participants carried signs with messages advocating for immigrant rights and expressing their discontent with the Trump administration’s stance on immigration.
Centro Latino, a local advocacy group, played a significant role in mobilizing the community for this event. According to the group’s leader, the rally demonstrated a unified stance among the residents of Catawba County. “We feel the love,” he stated, highlighting the community’s support for immigrants facing increased scrutiny from federal agents.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that immigration agents are set to conduct operations in the area this week, prompting concerns and mobilization among local residents. The announcement has led to heightened anxiety within the immigrant community, as schools in Catawba, Burke, and Iredell counties reported a slight increase in absences amid fears of potential enforcement actions.
In a related development, the Hickory City Council has addressed public concerns regarding the increased presence of immigration agents. Council members emphasized the importance of community safety and the need to support all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
The protests in Hickory are part of a broader movement across the United States, where many communities are rallying against immigration enforcement and advocating for more humane treatment of immigrants. As federal immigration operations continue, local leaders and organizations are encouraging residents to stand together in solidarity.
Billy Chapman, a reporter with the Hickory Daily Record, provided coverage of the event, highlighting the diverse demographics of the protesters, who came together to assert their collective voice against federal immigration actions.
As the situation unfolds, many in Hickory and surrounding areas are closely monitoring developments related to immigration enforcement and community responses. The rally not only underscores the local commitment to immigrant rights but also reflects a growing national discourse on immigration policy and its impact on communities across the country.
