Tempers flare in downtown Tampa as groups clash in protest over ICE raids
Share this @internewscast.com

In Tampa, Fla. (WFLA), a crowd of over 200 individuals assembled downtown on Monday afternoon to voice their opposition to ICE raids occurring in Los Angeles and other parts of the nation.

The protest was called by several groups, although people who appeared to be leaders of the protests would not identify who they were.

“Well, we’re not naming organizations,” said a woman who would only identify herself as “Dandelion.”

She carried a bull horn and screamed in the streets, saying she was there to support the protestors in L.A.

Dandelion expressed, “I believe it’s an unfortunate situation. I find it unnecessary, and I feel that if people are here in our country, they should be welcomed.”

Carolyn Mcleod said this is the first protest she’s ever attended.

“I am a daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, but I was lucky enough to be born in the United States,” Mcleod said.

She said she came out to voice her opinion and to stand with protestors in L.A.

“By being silent, I think we are being complicit to the injustices,” Mcleod said.

There were other voices at the downtown rally.

Adam Francisco came wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat.

Francisco stated, “I’m here in support of President Donald Trump. The people have voted for the mass deportation of those who have entered our country unlawfully.”

Others came carrying flags in support of President Trump.

Casey Carden said he is a disabled military veteran who supports free speech, but wanted to make sure the violence going on in California is not repeated in Tampa.

“I fought for this; I want them to have that right. But at the same time, your verbal right and your right to pool up like this, that’s one thing. But when you start grabbing bricks, rocks, Molotov cocktails and start trying to hurt civilians and peace officers, that’s when it gets personal,” Carden said.

Protestors repeatedly entered Kennedy Boulevard on a red light, and left when the light turned green, standing in front of cars, but allowing them to pass when the light turned.

Eventually, the two groups opposing each other did more than scream obscenities. Shoving started and a specially trained unit of Tampa police officers and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies stepped in to intervene.

The officers and deputies used bikes to stand between the two groups, preventing the shoving from escalating into an all-out fight.

The protest began at 3 p.m. but mostly ended by 7:30 p.m. Some of the people at the protest said they will be back for more during the summer.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Viral Pro-Iran Memes Challenge Trump in Online Propaganda Battle

The ongoing conflict with Iran is proving to be unprecedented in terms…

Luis Robert Jr. Secures Mets’ Victory with Thrilling 3-Run Homer in 11th Against Pirates

NEW YORK – In an exhilarating showdown at Citi Field, Luis Robert…

Greeneville Group Home Caregiver Faces Allegations of Abusing Disabled Resident

An employee of Support Solutions in Greeneville, Tennessee, finds herself facing charges…

US Lawmakers to Visit Taiwan Ahead of Crucial Trump-Xi Summit: Strengthening Ties Amid Global Tensions

WASHINGTON – In an effort to strengthen U.S. alliances crucial for countering…

Widespread “No Kings” Demonstrations Sweep Tri-Cities on Saturday

The Tri-Cities region of Tennessee witnessed a powerful display of unity and…

Legendary Actor James Tolkan, Known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ Passes Away at 94

Renowned for his portrayals of stern authority figures in the iconic films…

Pope Leo XIV Honors Pope Francis’ Legacy During Holy Week’s Palm Sunday Observance

In a momentous gathering at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo…

Massive Heist: Over 400,000 KitKat Bars Vanish During Transport from Italy to Poland

GENEVA – In an unexpected twist, Nestlé, the Swiss-based food conglomerate, reported…

Charges Dropped: Judge Dismisses Case Against Former Officers in Breonna Taylor Shooting

A federal judge in Kentucky decided on Friday to dismiss the charges…

Rev Up Safely: Mastering the Speed and Safety of Electric Bikes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In a heart-stopping incident, a 14-year-old on an…