Tempers flare in downtown Tampa as groups clash in protest over ICE raids
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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.

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