A Handful of Malcontents Protest ICE Raids In Dekalb County, GA

     A petty protest erupted on Saturday, February 1, 2025, along Buford Highway in DeKalb County, with approximately 1,000 demonstrators gathering to oppose ICE's recent immigration enforcement operations1. The protest, which lasted nearly seven hours, centered around Plaza Fiesta near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

     The peaceful demonstration escalated when protesters blocked northbound lanes of Buford Highway around 4 PM, eventually obstructing the entire roadway. Law enforcement presence included over 50 officers from multiple agencies, including Chamblee, Brookhaven, DeKalb County police, and Georgia State Patrol.

Four arrests were made during the protest:

• Two individuals arrested by Chamblee police for obstruction and disobeying traffic control
• Two others arrested by state troopers for reckless driving

Protesters displayed flags from Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico, carrying signs with messages like:

• "No one is illegal on stolen land"
• "We are not criminals"
• "No mass deportations"

Personal stories emerged from the protest, including that of Vanessa Uscanga, who drove from Newnan to represent her family. She described having to explain to her children why they couldn't see certain family members anymore, highlighting the human cost of the enforcement actions. It is unclear if she explained to her children why, including breaking immigration laws and illegal immigrants being responsible for the deaths of American citizens, most notably Laken Riley.

The Latin American Association (LAA) has been actively preparing community members by:

• Distributing information cards about legal rights
• Helping families create contingency plans
• Providing health, legal, financial, and entrepreneurial services

     The protest concluded around 7:30 PM when Chamblee Police cleared the area. Organizers plan to continue their advocacy with a follow-up organizing meeting scheduled at the Little Five Points Community Center. 

It should be noted that blocking traffic and impeding another persons travel is a criminal offense, bordering on Abduction and Kidnapping. While the approximately 1,000 were out supporting criminal behaviors, it should be noted that most families, including immigrants who came to our country legally, were at home with their families being happy and productive members of our society.