Peaceful protest blasts blanket deportation process for Mexicans; 200 show up on TD’s Sixth Street
Omar Perez speaks to the protesters before the march this morning, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 8, 2024 — Organizer Omar Perez stood inside a pickup bed at Cascade Square in The Dalles this morning preparing a group of 200 for a peaceful march and protest of the Pres. Donald Trump’s push to deport some 13 million people - mostly Mexican born - living in the United States without legal documentation.
His Message - “no burning flags, no burnouts with vehicles. Be ready for hate crimes and people shouting stuff at us,” he said, telling them not to react poorly but to be peaceful. “This is our home.”
“On Monday, Feb. 3, Trump signed executive orders that would give the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency greater ability to conduct enforcement actions in sensitive areas, expand the pool of undocumented immigrants subject to fast-track deportation and attempt to end birthright citizenship –– a move that has received fierce pushback from constitutional experts and Democratic-led states and cities,” according to a story from CNN.
In The Dalles, Perez said the protest was meant to give Mexicans a voice.
“This is more the voice or opinion for those that can’t be here, who are scared,” he said. “Hopefully we can bring our community together.”’
Perez looked at the crowd. “It looks like we’re doing it.”
Hundreds of signs held by protesters, Mexican and American Flags were waiving through the air.
Signs stated “Keep Families Together”, “Stop the Hate” and “Immigrants Make America Great Everyday” were held high.
“We’re here supporting our Hispanic community,” said one protester who feared being identified. “It’s not fair what they’re doing. They’re not doing it the right way.”
Another protester later chimed in stating he had worked here in The Dalles for 27 years and Mexicans did much to contribute to The Dalles and America.
“We are not doing anything bad. We contribute to the U.S. We work. We pay taxes. I understand the rules. You have to get legal papers. And not all Mexicans are bad people. We come to get better lives and we support America too.”
He said the policy that aims to deport all undocumented Mexicans together - criminals and hard working law abiding people alike was a huge mistake.
As the March moved from the back parking lot of Cascade Square to the corner of Webber and Sixth streets near Burger King, a white pickup stopped at the intersection and burned out, sending white smoke plumes from the rear of the vehicle. “He’s not with us,” one protester can be heard saying. The protesters watched and others motioned the driver to stop because it was illegal. The vehicle eventually drove away.
This pickup with no front license plate performed a 1-minute burnout as the crowd motioned the driver to stop and other protesters commented the display made the marchers look bad. Organizers of the march said the pickup was not associated with the protest and was burning out his tires in a move of intimidation.
“That makes all Mexican people look bad,” one man said.
The march eventually moved east toward the intersection of Cherry Heights Road and Sixth Street as hundreds of vehicles honked their horns. Some driving by could be seen shaking their heads and mouthing the word “no.”
Jaime Paiser said she did not want a reboot of ICE arrests that occurred during Trump’s first term.
“I’m here to support our immigrants and neighbors and show that we stand for them,” Jaime Paiser, 44, The Dalles, said. “I remember the last time. ICE was in our community. I do not want to see that again in our community.”
File Photo from 2020 - Pictured: Gorge ICE Resistance gathered on the steps of Wasco County Courthouse. Photo Credit: Gorge ICE Resistance
Pat Fitzpatrick points out what many in the U.S. believe is our strength.
“We’ll do what we need to do today to take care of our neighbors and don’t hate,” said Pat Fitzpatrick, 64, Hood River. “Everybody gets caught up in material belongings and forget the important stuff.”
