A wave of dissent washed over downtown Montreal on Sunday afternoon as nearly 200 people converged in front of the United States Consulate General. The demonstration was a powerful rebuke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, fueled by growing outrage over recent events.
The protest, meticulously organized by Montreal resident Michael Lipset alongside the Immigrant Workers Centre and Indivisible Québec, began on Ste-Catherine St. W. before surging across Peel St. to Dorchester Square. Participants sought to amplify a message of solidarity and resistance.
Escalating tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in the U.S. have reached a boiling point, particularly since the start of the current presidential term. The tragic deaths of Renée Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, both shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis this January, ignited widespread protests and demands for accountability.
“We’re showing up in Montreal in solidarity with Minneapolis resistance and in opposition to ICE violence,” organizers declared, emphasizing the peaceful and lawful nature of the demonstration. The intent was clear: to stand firm against injustice, not to incite harm.
Demonstrators carried signs emblazoned with potent messages – “ICE out,” “status for all,” and “fascism does not belong anywhere.” Each placard represented a voice demanding change and a rejection of oppressive policies.
Michael Lipset, the driving force behind the Montreal protest, carries a deeply personal connection to the unfolding events. A 38-year-old educator with a PhD from McGill, he was born and raised in Minneapolis, where his family still resides.
Driven by a sense of urgency and responsibility, Lipset felt compelled to organize a local response to what he described as “Trump violence.” He believed his Minnesota roots uniquely positioned him to lead the effort.
The locations of the shootings resonate deeply with Lipset. Renée Good was killed near the site of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, an area Lipset knew well. He even recalled parking near the spot where Alex Pretti lost his life.
Beyond expressing solidarity with Minneapolis, the protest aimed to shed light on Canada’s role in ICE-related activities. Concerns were raised about Quebec companies profiting from ICE contracts and supplying tools used by ICE officers.
Specifically, Canadian defence manufacturer Roshel Defence Solutions has secured contracts with ICE to provide armed vehicles. This revelation fueled calls for greater scrutiny of Canadian involvement in the enforcement of U.S. immigration policies.
Adding another layer of urgency, organizers highlighted the impending vote on Bill C-233, legislation designed to close loopholes in arms export laws that currently allow shipments through the U.S. The outcome of this vote could significantly impact the flow of materials to ICE.
The Montreal demonstration served as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of social justice movements and the unwavering commitment of individuals to challenge injustice, regardless of borders.
