Protestors march down at Sundance against ICE operations: ‘Shoot films, not people’

PARK CITY, UTAH: Hundreds of demonstrators protested against the ongoing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the US on Monday, January 26, during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

They shouted slogans against ICE and also demanded answers and a fair probe from the Trump administration over the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, who died on January 24 in Minneapolis.

Anti-ICE protestors call for 'peaceful resistance'

A volunteer with Utah Overpass Action reportedly said, “If we are going to stop our country’s slide toward authoritarianism, each of us must commit to regular, sustained and, most importantly, peaceful resistance.”

“We must stay engaged until we can come together and end this national nightmare,” they added.

The volunteer also requested the demonstrators to have a brief moment of silence “to recognize and remember the countless human beings who have been abused and killed by ICE over the years.”

The protest reportedly happened at the last day of Sundance film festival that saw people chanting, “Shoot films, not people,” “Abolish ICE,” “Hey hey, ho ho, Trump and ICE have got to go,” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

Demonstrator claims 'fascists go after artists'

Jes Vesconte, a filmmaker as well as an activist who led several anti-ICE slogans, shared during the protest that they’re “raised by a community of people shaped by immigrants”.

They said, “They are going after our neighbors — our storytellers. Fascists go after artists because artists let you know that this world was built by people.”

“It’s imaginary — and that means it can be imagined differently. We have the power to do things differently, and artists help us imagine that world. Journalists, artists, storytellers, activists. All of us,” Vesconte added.

Celebs call ICE raids 'horrific'

This came after several Hollywood celebrities have voiced their opposition towards ICE raids.

Jenna Ortega said, “It’s absolutely devastating and I’m horrified. I’m really encouraged by the spirit of the American people and the people who feel the need to say something. But the lack of any real resolution or reprimanding against officers is incredibly frightening and disappointing to see.”

The actress also added that the “lack of any real resolution or reprimanding against officers is incredibly frightening and disappointing to see from our government.”

At Sundance, Natalie Portman also condemned the ongoing raids as she said, "What's going on in this country right now is absolutely horrific. What the federal government, Trump’s government, Kristi Noem, ICE – what they’re doing is really the worst of the worst of humanity.”