Louisville students organize anti-ICE protest on Big Four Bridge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some Louisville students led a rally Monday afternoon on the Big Four Bridge, protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It came months after Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg ended the city's sanctuary city policy. Greenberg defended the decision, and said the purpose of ending it was to avoid federal intervention in the city.

Part of ending the city's sanctuary city status includes extending the amount of time people can be held in jails for federal immigration officials.

Students who led Monday's protest said they oppose what ICE is doing across the U.S., and just because they can't vote yet doesn't mean they can't exercise their First Amendment rights.

"I feel like it makes you feel so hopeless with everything going on, but this makes me feel so alive and things are happening and it gives me so much hope for the future," said protest organizer Eli Yates. "I'm overjoyed."

Organizers said they will be able to vote in 2028, and are looking forward to taking part.

Monday's rally came as lawmakers work to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. A partial government shutdown began Saturday after a deal wasn't reached.

Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

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Louisville students organize anti-ICE protest on Big Four Bridge