Protests are set to take place across the United States this weekend, with a notable concentration in metro Detroit. Organizers from various local and national groups, including the Detroit Anti-War Committee, Comité de Acción Comunitaria, and MI Students Dream, are mobilizing supporters to gather from January 9 through January 10, 2024. The demonstrations are primarily in response to the recent events surrounding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7.
Friday’s Events
On Friday, January 9, a protest and vigil will be held at Clark Park in Detroit, commencing at 18:00 local time. This event is organized by a coalition of groups, including Detroit Will Breathe and others, as detailed in promotional materials shared on social media. Concurrently, a rally is scheduled from 15:30 to 17:00 at 28992 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, spearheaded by Oak Park Concerned Citizens. This gathering is part of a national call to action by May Day Strong and other organizations responding to the situation in Venezuela and the incident involving Good. Additionally, the Indivisible group in Ann Arbor will host a candlelight vigil at Liberty Plaza at 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday Protests
The following day, January 10, the Detroit Anti-War Committee, alongside the Metro Detroit Democratic Socialists of America and other local organizations, will stage a protest at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit, starting at 15:00. Indivisible is encouraging participation in this event, as well as in several related protests targeting ICE operations in surrounding suburbs, including Oak Park and Lake Orion. Furthermore, the Indivisible chapter in Ann Arbor plans to conduct its own rally and march.
On Sunday, additional protests are anticipated, with chapters of Indivisible in Oxford and Saline organizing events throughout the day. Stand Up Fight Back Southeast Michigan will also hold a protest in Rochester Hills at 14:30.
These protests reflect a growing movement in response to both international and local issues, highlighting community activism across the nation. For further information, individuals can contact Natalie Davies at [email protected].
