Salinas Addresses ICE/Model Cities Protest-Pollard & Jackson Oppose Flock

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There was a protest outside Houston City Hall yesterday, 9/29, regarding ICE in Houston & the Trump Department of Justice Model Cities grant Whitmire & HPD want. The grant would mandate HPD accept Trump priorities for immigration, policing & “loitering.”

Democratic Councilmember Alejandra Salinas came out from the ongoing council public comment session to briefly address the crowd. She said keep fighting & that an ICE ordinance would at some point come back to council.

I appreciated the acknowledgement of the protesters & a commitment to further action. Mostly when you speak at council, councilmembers just stare at you like you arrived from Andromeda—or they look at their phones. And they often avoid protests and political events that they don't have some measure of control over.

Ms. Salinas acknowledged the agency of the Houstonians at city hall by emphasizing the need to keep fighting. She asked for our efforts rather than just working through conventional politics. Elected officials are not saviors. 

Also at yesterday's evening public comment session, Democratic Councilmembers Ed Pollard & Tarsha Jackson said that after initial support they now oppose Flock Cameras.  

Our activism matters. 

The next action is when you organize it. The 1st Amendment is your permit. The only credential needed is your presence. Voting is not enough. The work ahead is ours. 

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