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Rochester, New York – Rochester joined a growing wave of cities across the country this weekend as advocates, elected officials, and community members gathered to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The rally, held early Saturday afternoon on South Plymouth Avenue, reflected both national outrage and local concern over immigration enforcement practices and public safety.

The demonstration took place outside the Mental Health Education and Legal Code for Refugee Rights building, commonly known as MELCORR. Immigration advocacy groups stood alongside New York State Senator Jermey Cooney, who addressed the crowd and linked the tragedy in Minneapolis to broader fears felt by immigrant communities nationwide. Speakers emphasized that the shooting has intensified anxiety, even in cities far from where the incident occurred.

“What happened in Minneapolis was a brutal killing of a mother in the streets of the greatest country, and ICE was solely responsible,” said Cooney. “I became a citizen of this great country years ago. But in 2026, I, as a state senator, as a U.S. Citizen, carry my passport whenever I leave.”

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Cooney’s remarks drew strong reactions from attendees, many of whom held signs condemning ICE and calling for accountability. While the majority of those present voiced support, the event was not without tension. According to organizers, a known agitator at community events expressed opposition, briefly disrupting the rally. Cooney acknowledged those moments while urging supporters to remain focused on their message.

“We in Rochester will stand up and fight back and use our voices. We will not let those who try to sow division and hate, some who are here today, to dissuade us from the work ahead.”

Advocates at the rally stressed that fear surrounding immigration enforcement is not abstract for many Rochester residents. They said families are increasingly worried about routine activities such as going to work, attending school, or seeking medical care. Several speakers noted that national incidents often ripple into local communities, deepening stress and uncertainty.

Hani Ali, one of the founders of MELCORR, spoke about the role local organizations play in responding to those fears. He said his organization has seen firsthand how policy debates and enforcement actions affect daily life for immigrants and refugees in the region.

“We opened these centers for individuals that we know in this crisis is needed. Intervention is needed at home. Intervention is needed at school. Intervention is needed out in the community,” said Ali.

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Community advocate Isabel Rosa echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Rochester’s long history as a city shaped by newcomers. She said public support is critical during moments when immigrants feel targeted or isolated.

“It just proves the point that New York is made up of immigrants. Immigrants are New York. We are a very diverse state, country, city.”

Organizers described the rally as both a protest and a call for solidarity. They said the goal was not only to condemn violence, but also to remind residents that resources and support systems exist locally. Several speakers encouraged people to stay engaged, attend future events, and reach out to advocacy groups if they or someone they know needs help.

News 8 reported that it has contacted Republican lawmakers, including Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Senator Rob Orr, seeking comment or perspective on the rally and the broader concerns raised by protesters. As of Saturday afternoon, no responses had been received.

As national demonstrations continue, Rochester advocates say they plan to remain visible and vocal, insisting that local action matters even when the issue feels far away.