BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Bloomington-Normal community members gathered downtown Saturday to protest what they call unwanted federal intervention in Illinois.
The event, “Bloomington-Normal Stands with Chicago,” was held on the lawn of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. It was organized by Bloomington-Normal 50501 and co-sponsored by the ACLU of Central Illinois, Prairie Pride Coalition and the Social Justice Team of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal.
Organizers said the rally was designed to show support for the people of Chicago as they face federal immigration enforcement.
“Today we are showing solidarity with Chicago and the ICE agents that have been sent into our community. We understand that the president does have the authority to do that. We also have the authority to protest that,” said Brad Bell, co-organizer with Bloomington 50501.
Bloomington-Normal 50501 describes itself as a non-partisan group committed to peaceful, non-violent demonstrations. The organization also hosts educational programs, including public lectures, book clubs, and trainings in non-violent resistance.
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