Thousands line Monument Ave. to protest on 5-year anniversary of John Lewis' death
Protestors spent Thursday afternoon's rush hour in the median along a 2.8-mile stretch of Monument Avenue as part of a nationwide rally honoring the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis, who died five years ago.
Protestors advocated for various causes, though the most common cause was immigration enforcement, as many signs decried recent actions by federal ICE officials.
In the Richmond area, immigration officials have been most active at the Chesterfield courthouse, where they have conducted multiple days of detainments.
The event was capped by a series of speeches at the Church of the Holy Comforter.
One of the featured speakers was Amanda Pohl, the Chesterfield court clerk who spoke out against ICE's presence, and has declared as a Democratic candidate to run against Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican, this November.
"Courts are supposed to be neutral, but ICE has turned them into places of fear, and when that happens, no one feels safe," she said.
Other speakers echoed the theme, denouncing the actions of President Donald Trump.
Passing cars largely honked in support or ignored the protestors.
The rally was coordinated by 50501 Virginia, a state chapter of a group founded to protest Trump's actions.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
