Protest in Jacksonville Supports Activist Facing Federal Charges

Jacksonville

Dozens of community members and immigrant rights advocates gathered outside the Federal Courthouse in Jacksonville on Tuesday to protest the federal charges against activist Alejandro Orellana. The demonstration was organized by the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance and coincided with Orellana’s preliminary hearing and first court appearance.

Orellana, a known activist with Centro CSO in East Los Angeles, faces two federal charges: conspiracy to commit disorder, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, and aiding and abetting civil disorder. He was arrested by the FBI on June 12, following his involvement in organizing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. This incident has sparked significant public attention and concern regarding the treatment of activists.

The circumstances surrounding Orellana’s arrest included an FBI raid on his home in Boyle Heights, during which agents seized various electronic devices. In the wake of public outcry, Orellana was released the day after his arrest. However, he still faces the serious charge of conspiracy to commit civil disorder, a situation viewed by many as unjust.

The protesting community members declared that the charges against Orellana are baseless, asserting that he “did nothing wrong.” They criticized the federal government’s actions as part of a broader trend of harassment directed at peaceful protesters. They made it clear that any legal action taken against one activist is perceived as an affront to all activists, emphasizing the sentiment that every charge affects the entire advocacy community.

During the protest, demonstrators laid out clear demands. They called for the immediate dropping of all charges against Orellana, an end to the harassment of peaceful protesters, and a cessation of what they described as an “FBI witch hunt” against activists. These demands highlight ongoing concerns about the implications of federal law enforcement tactics on civil rights and the ability of individuals to protest peacefully.

Nationwide Solidarity and Support

In support of Orellana, national organizations such as the Committee to Stop FBI Repression have designated June 27 as a national day of action. This initiative is aimed at rallying support for Orellana and raising awareness about the issues faced by immigrant activists across the country. The solidarity expressed by various groups underscores the broader implications of Orellana’s legal challenges within the immigrant rights movement.

Ongoing Advocacy and Activism

Protesters in Jacksonville have pledged to continue applying pressure on the government to ensure that immigrant rights and the right to protest remain integral parts of national discussions. The community’s dedication reflects a commitment to protecting civil liberties and advocating for justice in the face of federal actions perceived as oppressive.

The actions taken by the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance and its supporters form part of a larger narrative regarding the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in the United States. By rallying around Orellana’s case, they aim not only to influence the outcome of his charges but also to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by activists who advocate for civil rights and social justice.