Dozens Protest Against ICE in Downtown Miami

Demonstrators call for abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dozens of people gathered at the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami on Friday as part of a nationwide protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Demonstrators held signs and chanted messages demanding the abolishment of ICE, sharing personal stories and concerns about immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The protests in Miami were part of a broader nationwide movement against ICE, with demonstrators citing recent incidents of alleged misconduct and human rights abuses by the agency. The issue has become a flashpoint in the immigration debate, with activists pushing for major reforms or the complete dissolution of ICE.

The details

The crowd in Miami grew from a handful of people at 7 p.m. to several dozen along Biscayne Boulevard. Demonstrators held signs with messages like "Abolish ICE," "In the Miami heat ICE will melt," and "No more deportations." Protesters shared personal stories, including one woman whose father was detained by ICE and taken to a facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz."

  • The protest took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Maria Franzblau

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Valeria Ramirez

A demonstrator who said the issue affects communities more deeply than many realize.

Arianna Betancourt

A demonstrator whose family was directly affected after her father was detained by ICE and taken to a facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Only 30 days into 2026. There's already been at least eight killings by ICE, at least that we were aware of. Including outright American citizens being murdered by ICE agents in the streets.”

— Maria Franzblau, Member of the Democratic Socialists of America (cbsnews.com)

“Every person detained by ICE affects me. It affects our community. Just living in this country, living in this city, everybody should be affected.”

— Valeria Ramirez (cbsnews.com)

“The lack of due process, the lack of communication, and just the inhumane treatment overall. Everything I am experiencing is a reflection of the fear of what my dad is facing in that tent.”

— Arianna Betancourt (cbsnews.com)

“I know that it's terrible, but I saw that people were coming together. That there was solidarity. There was community. That there was love above all.”

— Arianna Betancourt (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

The protest in Miami reflects the growing nationwide movement against ICE and the push for major reforms or the abolishment of the agency. Demonstrators are sharing personal stories and concerns about the agency's alleged misconduct and human rights abuses, highlighting the deep impact on local communities.