‘I’m appalled’: Hundreds in Indianapolis protest ICE

Several hundred people rallied against ICE on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis on Jan. 31 as part of a wave of protests across the nation this weekend.

Many of the protesters expressed anger over the recent fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis, where the Trump administration has deployed a surge of immigration agents as part of a federal crackdown.

Protesters carried anti-ICE signs and chanted “ICE out” as they marched, drawing supportive honks from motorists. The rally was one of several planned across the city, including a smaller gathering near the Governor’s mansion.

Jennifer Yumib, 64, of Indianapolis, said she braved temperatures in the teens because of how strongly she feels.

“I’m appalled by what’s been happening in our country,” she said. “Seeing people torn from their homes without cause. People shot in the streets for trying to help others. This is not what we should be as a country.”

Brooke Verhey, 28, of Indianapolis, attended the rally with her dog, Raine, who wore a “F— Ice” sign. She said she believes ICE’s actions are unconstitutional.

“They are detaining peaceful protesters and trying to take their phones,” she said. “People have a right to record.”

Phil Slates, 75, of Indianapolis, carried a sign saying, “ICE melts under resistance.” He called the immigration enforcement agency’s treatment of people “inhuman.”

“I don’t believe anybody disagrees that we should have legitimate immigration policy,” he said. “The issue is how people are being ripped out of their homes — people who don’t have a criminal record. This is nothing but intimidation.”

The rally was one of many across the nation and followed a vigil the night before at New Liberty Mission Baptist Church for those killed by ICE, which drew an overflow crowd.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X@IndyStarTony and Bluesky @tonycook317.bsky.social.