On Saturday, November 29, dozens of Greenbelt residents gathered across the street from the U.S. Park Police Greenbelt Station for an “ICE MELT” protest. Several organizations worked together with one main goal – raising awareness of the station’s involvement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The U.S. Park Police is a federal agency, not to be confused with the Greenbelt Police Department, which is part of the city government. According to Autumn (a pseudonym), an organizer with the Greenbelt Resistance Network, Park Police have been allowing ICE agents to ride along with officers, racially targeting and pulling over locals for minor infractions to search for immigrants, then allowing the ICE agents to send drivers and passengers to detention centers.
On Saturday, an officer at the U.S. Park Police Greenbelt Station during the protest refused to give his name and said he had “no comment” about the protest. He also refused to confirm or deny whether they were assisting ICE by allowing ICE officers to ride along with Park Police officers. He provided a number to call for an official statement, but it goes to voicemail and a message left received no response.
A public statement from the Greenbelt City Council on November 7 acknowledged residents’ concerns about ICE activity in the area, and stated that Greenbelt Police will not assist ICE. Greenbelt Police Public Information Officer Rico Dennis confirmed that this is still true. Many concerned Greenbelt residents have called him asking about unmarked Greenbelt Police vehicles, but Dennis said that they are not being used by ICE.
The protest included elements similar to recent protests – inflatable costumes, music, dancing and anti-ICE signs. There were about 45 participants, some of whom came or left as the event went on. Autumn described the importance of the inflatable costumes by pointing out that Trump and the Republicans have designated people sharing anti-fascist ideas as “terrorists.” The harmless costumes are meant to demonstrate how ridiculous that accusation is.
Tony G from the national organization Refuse Fascism brought some recorded music and played rousing protest songs, many with a Latin American beat. In addition, members from the DC Activist Street Band came to play, drum and sing. Lyrics sheets were handed out for the song Bella Ciao, a popular anti-fascist Italian folk song. The vast majority of interactions from drivers were positive – honking, waving and singing in support.
A table sat off to the side with snacks and fliers provided by the Prince George’s County Immigrant Rights Collective (PGIRC), which provides support for families affected by ICE. They sold pastries to raise funds for families in need and helped participants put on costumes. PGIRC works with CASA, which provides services to help immigrants find legal help, learn English, develop business skills, find work and defend their rights.
Those who notice ICE activity can call CASA’s tip hotline at 1-888-214-6016. However, in light of reports of kidnappers impersonating federal agents, anything resembling a kidnapping should be reported to 911. All ICE agents are required to obtain a judicial warrant before entering private spaces, such as houses and staff-only sections of business. In public spaces, judicial warrants are not required for ICE to “arrest” an individual.
