Framingham Protests Recent ICE Arrest, Heightened Activity

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement was attended by what local reports have called "dozens" of people on Friday.

The protest was organized to stand against what organizers said is increased ICE activity in the city and the recent detention of Daniel Orellana, a man with no criminal record who was picked up by ICE on Monday.

"Our community is scared. Due process is being ignored," organizers for the rally said. "We are rallying to show support and ask that our leaders protect their residents from ICE."

NBC News reports that Orellana was on his way to work when he was taken into custody by ICE last week at a local gas station.

That report also indicates that ICE agents showed Orellana a picture of another man, asking if it was him. Even though it wasn't, agents took him into custody anyway.

MetroWest Daily News said dozens of people gathered in Framingham to protest the arrest and other recent ICE activity in the city.

A statement from Congresswoman Katering Clark and Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren was read at the protest, the report said.

It read:

"Daniel's detention is the latest in the Trump administration's pattern of deeply disturbing arrests. We do not rip people out of their communities without due process in this country. We do not target people because of their personal opinions. As your representatives in Congress, we will continue to urgently press for answers and fight for due process and fair treatment.

We are standing together today to reject Trump's attack on our fundamental freedoms. This is not just a crisis for our neighbors who are directly affected — this is a crisis for all of us. We are each other's strength, and we will continue to stand together to protect our neighbors and our communities."

The protest comes as ICE has been under fire in the state for another arrest in Worcester, which has gained national attention.

Read more: "Unruly" Crowd Tries To Stop ICE Agents From Detaining Woman In Massachusetts, 2 Arrested