Protesters Storm Governor's Mansion: You Won’t Believe What They Demanded from ICE!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A recent wave of protests in response to actions by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ignited passionate discussions about immigration policy and enforcement in West Virginia. Following a series of incidents where ICE agents shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis and injured two in Oregon, citizens rallied in Charleston on Friday evening, voicing their concerns over ICE’s presence in the state.

The "ICE Melt" rally, organized on short notice, attracted a significant crowd to the Governor's Mansion, indicating the urgency of the issue for many West Virginians. Organizer Hera commented on the turnout, stating, "The number of people here really speaks to the importance in itself. There's a lot of frustration, a lot of passion, a lot of people angry about ICE in West Virginia and we're here to tell Governor Morrisey to take a stand. We don't want ICE here."

Among those present was Madeline Mendoza, who expressed her support for immigrant rights, particularly for her husband, who is an immigrant. "My husband is an immigrant and so are all the people I take care of that are right in my business," Mendoza shared. "These people are down-to-earth people. They’re just here to support their families and wanting to work, paying into taxes. They're not doing this wild crime that everybody seems to think they are." Her testimony highlights the personal stories often overshadowed in the broader immigration debate.

Mendoza, who has built a life with her husband from Mexico, and their daughter, emphasized her commitment to advocating for immigrant communities. "I have an amazing husband who takes care of me... I've been welcomed in by a wonderful family of immigrants," she noted, further underscoring the human element often lost in political discussions of immigration.

However, not all voices at the state level support the protestors. Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a statement reaffirming his backing of ICE's actions, saying, "While we respect and defend the people’s right to peacefully protest, I stand in full support of ICE and the Trump administration’s initiatives to defend our border and clean up the mess Joe Biden and his reckless immigration policies left behind." His stance reflects a growing divide in public opinion regarding immigration enforcement and policy.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by ICE agents, stated in a briefing that carrying out immigration laws is challenging, especially in communities with large immigrant populations. "It's tough carrying out our immigration laws, particularly in communities such as where they were in Minnesota, where there's a large immigrant community and broad pushback," Capito remarked, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in immigration enforcement.

Additionally, Delegate Chris Anders has introduced legislation to criminalize undocumented immigration at the state level. He expressed confusion over the protests, questioning how individuals could oppose the enforcement of immigration laws that he believes are essential for safeguarding American citizens and their tax dollars. "I'm trying to understand how they are protesting enforcement of our nation's laws when it comes to the primary purpose of keeping these illegals who have crossed illegally into our country from being here," Anders stated, emphasizing a law-and-order perspective that resonates with a portion of the population.

The recent protest in Charleston captures a critical moment in the ongoing national conversation about immigration policy. As protests continue, they serve as a reminder of the diverse views held by Americans across the country regarding the role of ICE and the treatment of immigrants. With the political landscape shifting and public opinion divided, the outcomes of these discussions will significantly shape the future of immigration policy in West Virginia and beyond.