A wave of chants, music and calls for justice surged through Downtown Albuquerque on Friday as approximately 2,000 people gathered to protest federal immigration policies and call for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The demonstration, organized in response to ongoing ICE raids and immigration enforcement efforts under policies implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration, began at Civic Plaza in the late afternoon. Protesters filled the square, where mariachi performers provided a cultural backdrop to speeches decrying what organizers described as unjust and inhumane treatment of immigrants.
From Civic Plaza, the crowd marched along Tijeras Avenue to Lomas Boulevard, eventually occupying the intersection of Lomas and 4th Street. There, more speeches were delivered, many condemning what advocates say is a rising trend of aggressive enforcement actions in New Mexico and across the country.
According to Reuters, ICE has been operating under a quota of 3,000 arrests per day nationwide. Locally, the New Mexico Immigration Law Center has reported a noticeable uptick in ICE activity, including arrests at homes, workplaces, and even at immigration court hearings—tactics that have drawn increasing concern from immigrant rights groups.
Friday’s protest lasted approximately three hours, concluding as the crowd returned to Civic Plaza via 4th Street. While police maintained a presence along the route, the march remained peaceful.
