Protesters Gather at MLK Park in downtown Rochester to Demand ICE-Out

Several dozen protesters gathered Saturday afternoon at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Manhattan Square in downtown Rochester to demand an end to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area.

A rally against ICE raids commenced on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at MLK Park in downtown Rochester, NY - Photo by Marybeth Knowles

Organized by local immigrant rights and community groups, the peaceful rally called on authorities to halt deportations and address what demonstrators described as recent “invasive” ICE raids across New York state.

The protest featured chants, speeches and signs bearing slogans such as “ICE chooses heartbreak” and “No more raids in our neighborhoods.” The latter echoed sentiments expressed during a smaller anti-ICE demonstration held earlier this year at Rochester’s Peace Plaza, where participants condemned federal enforcement tactics.

Ryan Pérez, a local organizer, told the crowd, “We want you to know that we know you’re here … they’re ready with their rights, they’re ready to defend themselves,” reiterating remarks he made during that February protest

Ellen Goode, another attendee at the February rally, returned Saturday and said, “ICE chooses heartbreak.” Banners from Community Organizing Power and Action Latinos and other immigrant support groups were prominently displayed.

By early evening, organizers said roughly 75 to 100 people had participated. No arrests or disruptions were reported; the gathering concluded quietly after several hours.

Local immigrant advocacy organizations emphasized the rally was both a demonstration and a message aimed at Rochester’s officials: revamp municipal cooperation policies related to deportations and provide sanctuary protections.

“This community will not stand by while our friends and neighbors are torn apart,” said one organizer, underscoring the rally’s peaceful yet resolute tone.

ICE issued the following statement in response to the rally:

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fully respects the Constitutional rights of all people to peacefully express their opinions. That being said, ICE remains committed to performing its immigration enforcement mission consistent with federal law and agency policy.“