“ICE Is Not Welcome in Billings,” Advocates Say Ahead of Courthouse Rally

A rally organized by the Billings Alliance for Immigrant Rights is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, at 4 pm at the Yellowstone County Courthouse, located at 217 North 27th Street in Billings.

Organizers state that the gathering is intended to honor the life of Alex Pretti and others affected by federal immigration enforcement actions. The group is also requesting that local law enforcement agencies refrain from cooperating with federal immigration authorities within the Billings area.

Rally Organized by Billings Alliance for Immigrant Rights

Organizers indicate that the rally will address concerns regarding the impact of immigration enforcement on families and neighborhoods, including undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens. They state that the goal is to raise awareness and promote policies that emphasize community safety and trust between residents and local law enforcement.

READ MORE: Montana Mystery: The Unsolved 1977 Murder of Ruth Lori Ballew

The group has also stated advocacy for broader legalization policies and additional protections for immigrant communities.

Support from Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) Advocates

The rally has drawn support from advocates associated with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples movement, including local representatives of the MMIP Billings Advocacy Project. Organizers from that group indicate their participation is related to ongoing concerns about violence affecting Indigenous communities and other vulnerable populations.

MMIP leaders describe their work as focused on missing persons and homicide advocacy, rather than political party affiliation. They state that their involvement in this event relates to concerns about loss of life and community impact, not partisan policy positions.

Historical Perspectives Shared by Advocates

Some people scheduled to attend the rally have connected current concerns about enforcement practices to historical trauma experienced by Indigenous communities, including previous incidents involving federal or state authority. Advocates assert that these historical experiences influence contemporary perspectives on law enforcement within Indigenous communities.

READ MORE:  Recognize Any of These Missing Yellowstone County Residents?

Advocates also note that Indigenous communities in urban areas, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul has reported concerns regarding increased enforcement activity and its effects on residents, citing fear, stress, and civil rights considerations.

Encouraging Public Engagement and Awareness

Organizers state that the rally is intended to encourage residents to remain informed and to engage with elected officials regarding immigration enforcement policies and community safety. They emphasize that the event is open to the public and is planned as a peaceful demonstration.

Attendees are encouraged to listen to speakers, learn about the concerns presented, and consider the effects of local, state, and federal policies on families in the region.

Get our free mobile app

Event Details and Attendance Information

The rally is scheduled to begin at 4 pm on Thursday, January 29, at the Yellowstone County Courthouse in downtown Billings. Participants are expected to gather outside the courthouse building. Organizers have not announced how long the event is expected to last.

Attendees are advised to follow local laws and courthouse area guidelines while participating in the event.