Protesters Gather Against Trump Admin After Montco ICE Raid

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — A contingent of demonstrators and local officials gathered in Lower Providence on Wednesday afternoon to protest President Trump's administration after the latest ICE raid in the region earlier this week.

Bearing massive white cloth banners and signs reading "NEIGHBORS PROTECTING NEIGHBORS" and "ICE OUT," demonstrators stood alongside interfaith organizations and the family of the Trooper man who was taken Monday.

"The cruel ICE raid we witnessed in Lower Providence Township earlier this week proves once again that ICE activity isn’t making anyone safer," State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti said. "Instead, their behavior is needlessly traumatizing our neighbors, and attempting to stoke fear and division."

Members of the family spoke about the greater Norristown area specifically, and the need to protect its large and vulnerable population of immigrants.

The incident unfolded over the course of several hours Monday morning through the early afternoon, and was witnessed by dozens of local residents, state officials, and "trained observers" who had gathered to show support for the man.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the raid.

See previous coverage: 'Nightmarish, Chaotic Spectacle': ICE Raid In Trooper Sparks Intense Backlash

Cappelletti and State Rep. Joe Webster, among others, praised the local community for their support of the family impacted by the raid. The front door was broken down during the incident, and volunteers worked with a local contractor, Wisest Home Improvements, to quickly get it back on.

Volunteers also donated food and clothing to the family.

"We keep each other safe, and together we can continue to resist this federal administration’s un-American agenda," Cappelletti added.

Webster was present on the scene with what he called "trained observers" and local police. He said that ICE did not have a warrant when they first arrived at the home on North Barry Avenue and Ridge Pike in the Trooper section at around 7:30 a.m.

Webster said that agents then "provoked" the man they were after while school buses and children were in the vicinity. Details on that incident remain unclear. The agents then left, obtained a warrant, and returned later. When they returned, they smashed down the front door and injured a woman before the arresting the man they were after, Webster said.

Webster added that the ICE agents "did not present as professional law enforcement officers by their appearance or demeanor," noting that they wore torn clothing, had non-matching military vests, and all but one of them were masked.

It marks the latest conflict in a heavily blue part of the country with federal immigration officers after two high profile killings of Americans by ICE agents in Minnesota.