Savannah Rally Condemns Immigration Actions After Teacher's Fatal Crash

A day after the death of Savannah teacher Linda Davis during what the Department of Homeland Security called an ICE action gone wrong, a number of people rallied in the city's iconic Forsyth Park to decry her death.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A rally was held in Savannah's Forsyth Park to condemn the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the death of local teacher Linda Davis. Davis was killed in a crash during what the Department of Homeland Security described as an ICE operation gone wrong. Organizers of the rally, including the Savannah chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, blamed ICE for escalating the situation and causing Davis' death. However, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that anti-ICE rhetoric is to blame for the incident.

Why it matters

The rally highlights the growing tensions and debate around the role of ICE and immigration enforcement, with some accusing the agency of creating an "atmosphere of panic and terror" while the government blames anti-ICE rhetoric for such incidents. The death of a local teacher has sparked outrage in the community and renewed calls to abolish or reform ICE.

The details

Organizer Genny Kennedy of the Savannah chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation led the rally, leading chants of "Abolish ICE!" in Forsyth Park. While the rally did not appear to gain significant traction with passersby in the park, Kennedy and others blamed ICE for escalating the situation that led to Davis' death. The Department of Homeland Security, however, claimed that anti-ICE rhetoric is to blame for the "vehicular homicide" and "deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers."

  • The rally took place a day after the death of Savannah teacher Linda Davis on Monday.

The players

Genny Kennedy

An organizer with the Savannah chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation who led the rally in Forsyth Park.

Linda Davis

A teacher at Chatham County's Hesse K-8 School who was killed in a crash during what the Department of Homeland Security described as an ICE operation.

Tricia McLaughlin

An Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who claimed that anti-ICE rhetoric is to blame for Davis' death.

Jay Thorne

An Army veteran who expressed support for the rally, saying he has seen "extremism slowly creep its way into our country."

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What they’re saying

“Abolish ICE!”

— Genny Kennedy, Organizer, Savannah chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (GPB)

“This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest — a felony.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (GPB)

“We're seeing so many checks, balances, and things that are fundamental to America just erode or be ignored. And the only good thing that I can make out of all of the ICE chaos and the pain and the hurt that has been caused is that it's caused so many more people to get off the bench. And get into the conversation.”

— Jay Thorne, Army veteran (GPB)

The takeaway

The rally in Savannah highlights the ongoing debate and tensions around the role of ICE and immigration enforcement, with some accusing the agency of creating an atmosphere of fear and panic, while the government claims that anti-ICE rhetoric is to blame for such tragic incidents. The death of a local teacher has sparked outrage and renewed calls for reform or abolition of ICE, underscoring the deep divisions in the community over these issues.