Native youth lead Omaha protest opposing immigration enforcement raids

Native youth organized a demonstration in Omaha, Nebraska, on Jan. 21 to oppose recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, according to ICT. The protest was hosted by the Bluebird Cultural Initiative’s Youth Council and organized by Kylesse Walker, an 18-year-old Omaha and Ho-Chunk woman. The youth-led event drew Native participants who gathered near downtown Omaha despite high winds.

Walker told ICT the protest responded to reports of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Minnesota. Nicole Benegas, director of the Bluebird Cultural Initiative, said the youth council decided to act after discussing events in Minneapolis, where federal agents conducted immigration enforcement operations. Benegas said some youth council members have family or friends impacted by the enforcement actions. Demonstrators held signs opposing ICE and said they plan to organize future events and pursue additional training to support youth leadership, according to ICT.