Natick residents hold onto hope in protest in solidarity with Minnesota

When Diane Holzheimer planned a short-notice, anti-ICE protest for a cold weekend, she wasn’t sure how many people would be able to make it out. But she was pleasantly surprised when 160-some of her neighbors from Natick and the surrounding areas showed up Saturday, brandishing American flags and anti-ICE signage to stand in solidarity with Minnesota. 

“We’re outraged that American citizens are being killed in the streets,” said Elaine Bekebrede, a retired software engineer who lives in Natick. “This is not what law enforcement — if ICE calls themselves law enforcement — that’s not what law enforcement is supposed to do.” 

Rallygoers gathered in Natick Center Jan. 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in Natick Center. On the same day, in cities from coast to coast, protesters participated in a nationwide “ICE Out Everywhere” shutdown. Hundreds of protests were planned for the national day of action, including Natick’s rally. 

Shouts of “ICE out!” and “What does community look like? This is what community looks like!” echoed throughout the downtown area. Conversations barely could be heard over cowbells, honking cars and the roar of the chants. 

Protesters in puffer jackets held signs, including extras for passersby, ranging from puns about melting ice to pictures of immigrants who died in detention centers. Additionally, protesters bore American flags or symbols. Holzhiemer wore an American flag as a scarf.

“I love America, and I always have,” Holzheimer said. “I don’t like what Trump and his minions are trying to make of it.” 

Some of the protestors said they attended a rally in Natick earlier in the year after ICE shot and killed Renee Good. Since the killing of Alex Pretti, protesters said they’re more enraged and discouraged than before. 

“Murder in the streets…People being abducted, children being kidnapped, said Holzheimer, throwing her hands in the air, dumbstruck. “Can this be happening in our country?”

Katy Herz, a retired OB-GYN from Sherborn, who said she has been protesting since she was a teenager, said she struggles to hold onto hope for change. 

“It just feels like it’s the same. Nothing changes, or it changes for a little bit, and then it swings back, and it’s very discouraging,” Herz said.

Robert Holzheimer, a retired National Park Service worker who attended the protest, said he had hoped to see a smaller ratio of grey-haired participants. 

“You have to show up,” Holzheimer said. “I’m hoping that younger people will show up in the next rallies and expect to see a lot more.” 

During the rally, protesters passed out warm bagels from a shop across the street, complimented each other’s signs, and connected with their neighbors over their shared cause.

“I am outraged… This makes me feel positive that possibly we’ll get out of this with our country intact,” said Terri Charles, a retired Natick resident and frequent protester.

Charles said that most Natick residents encourage the protests, although they still face some opposition.

“We get a few fingers and a few f— yous. But you know, other than that, most people are really supportive,” Charles said.

Aaron Stevens, a Boston University professor who decided to join when he passed by, said he wasn’t sure how much they can accomplish given they are in a blue town in a blue state, but they continue to show up. 

“We’re just showing our support in the only way that we can,” he said. 

Herz said she hopes “ there is enough mass, people on the streets, to make the government look at what’s going on.”

“I’m not optimistic, but I don’t know what else to do with my anger.”

This story was produced in partnership with the Boston University Department of Journalism.