A peaceful protest was held in Des Moines on Sunday evening, where people gathered to speak out against ICE raids and immigration enforcement.
The event, which took place in the downtown area, was organized by a local advocacy group supporting immigrant rights. What stood out the most was that there was no police presence at the protest, and everything remained calm and orderly throughout.
The rally drew a small but passionate crowd. Protesters held signs with messages like “Stop the Raids” and “No One is Illegal.” Many were carrying banners, chanting slogans, and sharing their personal stories and reasons for standing against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
The organizers had planned the event and made it clear that it would be peaceful. They reached out to the community, encouraging everyone to show up with respect and solidarity. Local volunteers were present to help keep things organized and safe.
There was no need for any police intervention, and officials later confirmed that law enforcement was aware of the protest but decided not to send officers because there were no signs of any potential conflict. Many participants said that the lack of police made them feel more comfortable and allowed them to speak freely.
One of the speakers at the event, a local teacher, shared how some of her students live in fear because their families could be targeted by ICE.
“It’s hard to focus on school when you’re scared your parents might not be home when you get back,” she said. Her words touched many people in the crowd, who applauded her for speaking up.
Another speaker, who had been detained by ICE in the past, talked about the emotional toll it took on his family. He said that the goal of the protest was not just to criticize ICE, but to ask for fair treatment of immigrants and call for policies that treat people with dignity and respect.
Many in the crowd wore shirts or buttons with pro-immigrant slogans, and a few local musicians performed songs that focused on unity and justice. There were also food stands set up nearby, creating a community feeling more than a tense political protest.
The organizers said that their goal was to raise awareness and show that people in Des Moines care about immigrant families. They also called on city leaders to stand with them and support efforts to limit local cooperation with ICE.
Despite the emotions and strong opinions shared, the event remained calm from start to finish. People left peacefully, and there were no disruptions reported.
Those who attended said they felt hopeful after the rally. One college student who came with friends said, “It gives me hope that people still care and are willing to show up, even if the issue isn’t directly affecting them.”
Social media posts from the event quickly spread, showing images and videos of the peaceful gathering. Many praised the calm atmosphere and the unity among the crowd. Some users thanked the organizers for keeping the protest nonviolent and making sure everyone felt safe.
Overall, the protest served as a reminder that communities can come together to speak out and support one another without confrontation. The Des Moines rally was not just a protest against ICE raids—it was a call for compassion, fairness, and change.
As national conversations about immigration continue, events like this show how local voices are playing a role. And in Des Moines, those voices were heard, peacefully, and without the need for police to step in.