Courtesy art

ALPENA – The Alpena County Democratic Party will host two separate events this week,

There will be a rally this evening and a peaceful protest on Saturday.

All around the United States, people are gathering to voice their frustrations over the death of two American citizens during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol (CBP) agents.

Both events are open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Kristin Dean, a member of the Alpena County Democratic Party leadership board, explained the events and what they are geared toward.

“We are the hosts, but all are welcome,” Dean said. “It’s about more than just one issue. One is for remembrance, and one is for action.”

Dean added, “This will be a time for reflection and to remember the lives lost at the hands of ICE.”

The first gathering is a “Rally for Peace” at Culligan Plaza in downtown Alpena and takes place tonight from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Dean advises the public to dress for the weather,and mentioned there will be plenty of hot cocoa to go around.

People are encouraged to bring lighters, small flashlights, or the flashes on their mobile phones to honor the United States citizens who were killed in Minnesota.

The second event, on Saturday, is a peaceful protest, titled “Ice Out Now,” and takes place at Culligan Plaza, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The poster for the event encourages people to join the Alpena County Democratic Party to peacefully protest, demanding an end to the brutal immigration operations taking place across America.

Dean explained the intended goal for the planned protest.

“It’s about more than ICE; the constitutional rights of legal Americans are being violated,” Dean said. “It’s about standing together to defend our rights.”

Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot through the windshield of her automobile that was parked across the road during ICE operations. When addressed by officers, she accelerated her automobile toward and made contact with an ICE officer who shot her.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was also shot during a protest in Minnesota during a scuffle with federal law enforcement.

Pretti had a pistol and a pair of magazines on him during the encounter with ICE, but he had a legal permit to carry the weapon.

Both of the shootings remain under investigation.