Demonstrators gather in downtown Akron to protest ICE, show support for Haitians in Springfield

With temperatures hovering just above single digits on Saturday afternoon, several dozen demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Main and Market streets in downtown Akron to protest the federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

The roughly hour-long protest, organized by the Akron branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, was held as part of a statewide day of action in support of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, said Akron PSL member Sharon Aguilera.

Community members and officials in Springfield have been preparing for an expected surge of ICE enforcement targeting the Haitian-born residents living there legally under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) visas. A federal judge recently blocked the Trump administration from terminating TPS protections for Haitians in the U.S. An appeal, however, is expected.

Following Saturday’s protest in downtown Akron, a coalition of activist groups and community members gathered at First Congregational Church of Akron for training on responding to ICE activity and providing resources for immigrant families.