On January 30, 2026, an estimated 5,000 Rhode Islanders – including students and numerous local businesses – participated in a historic, nationwide strike in an effort to get the tyranny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) off our streets and out of our neighborhoods. The strike was in direct response to the unjust murders of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and Keith Porter, which were committed by ICE and occurred in the Twin Cities of Minnesota earlier in January. This strike demonstrated that Rhode Islanders are ready to unite to fight the discrimination and oppression led by ICE.
In Rhode Island, ICE targets and terrorizes cities with high immigrant populations such as Central Falls, Providence, and Pawtucket. Often, these masked federal agents capture civilians on the basis of appearance, not criminal record nor immigration status, leading to innocent people being detained and loving families being separated. Therefore, it is our duty to stand together and protect our neighbors from ICE.
Here are ways you can help:
Join the Deportation Defense Network
Get your feet on the ground and help protect your neighborhood by volunteering with the Deportation Defense Network organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR), and other community networks. By joining, you will be assigned a job that will help inform others on vital information regarding ICE, such as ICE’s whereabouts and the rights civilians possess to protect themselves. Joining is easy – simply text “Defense” to (401) 675-1414.
If you can’t commit time to volunteer work, you can still help the movement and your neighbors by staying vigilant and looking out for ICE. For example, if you see an ICE vehicle, call the Deportation Defense Line at (401) 675-1414 and tell them where you have spotted them, the plate number, and the make and model of the car. They maintain a grassroots database of verified ICE vehicles, to help identify future threats quickly.
Boycott
Put your money where your values are and boycott companies that are aiding ICE. According to a list put together by the organization Boycott Citizens, companies such as Amazon and Home Depot, have been proven to allow ICE to use their resources to aid in deportation efforts.
While many people rely on the services of these companies, there are numerous alternatives you can patronize that have more exemplary ethical positions. For instance, instead of using Amazon to order essentials, go to Aldi or Ocean State Job Lot, both of which are not on the boycott list. Additionally, some great alternatives to Home Depot are the locally owned Jerry’s Paint and Hardware in South Kingstown, Adler’s Hardware in PVD, or any of the Ace Hardware locations. These companies pride themselves on community and have the values to support it.
To see the complete list of companies to boycott, visit boycottcitizens.org/ice.
Donate
Right now is a crucial time in America to be financially supporting organizations committed to helping immigrants receive the proper care they need. No donation is too small, but if you have the means to give generously, do so. Visit these websites of organizations that are making a change in Rhode Island and Minnesota, and give:
- riaclu.org/donate/
- secure.actblue.com/donate/amor-network
- standwithminnesota.com/
- wfmn.org/funds/immigrant-rapid-response/
Make art
Art communicates multitudes and has been used to promote change in times of political distress for centuries. Whether you choose to be alone or gather with members of the community while you create, art can be a healing practice that you can channel your emotions into. And the best part? You don’t even have to be artistically talented to do it!
The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to the pieces you can make – posters, knitwear, ‘zines, t-shirts, pins, music, etc, can all be used to communicate important messages regarding ICE’s actions. Once you have made something, I encourage you to share it with others by posting it, giving it away, or talking about it with a friend.
Protest
Like we saw on January 30, protests can make an impact – people from every state in America came together, united by a cause. If you missed the strike on January 30 but want to get out there and demonstrate solidarity, join the No Kings Protest on March 28.
It is important to note that protesting is not one size fits all. While marching is the most recognizable form of protesting, it is not the only way. For example, if you don’t have the ability to march, you can protest by signing petitions that demand a reform of ICE’s operations.
Stay informed
This is the most important action you can take. Knowledge is power, and the more power you have the better equipped you are to protect yourself and your community. Continue reading and learning about what bills are being passed and what actions are being taken by Whitehouse, Reed, Smiley, Amo, and Magaziner. As you stay informed, remember to take time for your mental wellbeing and try to release any anxiety about the things out of your control.
Work Cited