Danbury residents protest ICE raids with “Day Without Immigrants”

Approximately 2,000 people participated in a “Day Without Immigrants” protest in Danbury, Connecticut, in response to recent mass immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Organizers, including Danbury United For Immigrants (DUFI), reported that at least 65 to 70 residents were detained within a single week between August 24 and August 27. The protests included a march from the Danbury Library to Danbury Green, with more than 60 local businesses closing their doors in solidarity to highlight the immigrant community's economic and social importance.

Local leaders, including Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, expressed concern over the impact of these operations. Reports indicate that the enforcement actions have created a climate of fear, affecting school attendance for hundreds of students and causing residents to alter daily routines. Educators noted that some students have stopped participating in extracurricular activities due to concerns regarding safety and family separations.