Protest Held Outside Possible ICE Facility in Pflugerville

Introduction

Dozens of people gathered outside a possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility near Highway 130 and Highway 45 in Pflugerville for a protest on Saturday afternoon. The protest was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) in response to concerns about the building being used as a future holding place for ICE detainees.

Organizers’ Claims

According to co-organizer Peishi Cheng, the PSL was made aware of the facility in October 2024 by community members who noticed it under construction. The organizers claim to have photos of the inside of the building, showing cells with toilets, concrete benches, and a room labeled as an “interviews” room, which they interpret as an interrogation room.

Protest and Counter-Protest

The protest remained mostly peaceful until a counter-protester arrived with a megaphone, sparking intense exchanges with the protesters. Despite the disruptions, organizers like Scarleth Lopez emphasized the need for change and unity in addressing issues related to immigration policies.

Attendees’ Frustrations

Attendees expressed frustration with the situation at the possible ICE facility and across the nation. Many emphasized the importance of recognizing the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status.

Call for Action

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian pastor Jim Rigby addressed the crowd, calling for collective action to end the for-profit incarceration of individuals. PSL announced plans to focus on educating people about their rights and empowering them to fight back against unjust policies.

Conclusion

KXAN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE for updates on the situation at the facility. The story will be updated with any responses from the agencies.

FAQs

1. What prompted the protest outside the possible ICE facility in Pflugerville?

The protest was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation in response to concerns about the building being used as a future holding place for ICE detainees.

2. What did the organizers claim to have photos of inside the facility?

The organizers claimed to have photos showing cells with toilets, concrete benches, and a room labeled as an “interviews” room, which they interpreted as an interrogation room.

3. How did the protest unfold?

The protest remained mostly peaceful until a counter-protester arrived, leading to intense exchanges between him and the protesters. Despite the disruptions, organizers ensured their voices were heard.

4. What did attendees express frustration about?

Attendees expressed frustration with the situation at the possible ICE facility and across the nation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the rights of all individuals.

5. What are the next steps planned by the Party for Socialism and Liberation?

The PSL announced plans to focus on educating people about their rights and empowering them to fight back against unjust policies related to immigration.