Western Massachusetts Labor Federation leads ICE OUT rally

Protesters in Springfield call for protection of human rights and increased public school funding

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:55am

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Protesters gathered at Springfield City Hall on Saturday to oppose violent immigration enforcement as part of a series of 'ICE OUT' rallies across western Massachusetts and the country. The Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation organized the event to show solidarity with immigrant union workers and speak out against the current 'authoritarian crackdown' on immigration.

Why it matters

The rally highlights growing concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and calls for a shift in priorities to focus more on issues like public school funding that organizers believe are being neglected.

The details

Federation leaders described the rally as a chance to support people in need amid a tightening of immigration enforcement. Jeff Jones, president of the Western Massachusetts Area Labor Foundation, spoke about the importance of protecting human rights for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

  • The demonstration took place on Saturday in Springfield.

The players

Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation

The labor organization that led the 'ICE OUT' rally in Springfield.

Jeff Jones

The president of the Western Massachusetts Area Labor Foundation who spoke at the rally about protecting human rights.

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What they’re saying

“All humans deserve rights, and what's going on right now is an authoritarian crackdown. It's not what this country is about, and we need to roll it back and move on.”

— Jeff Jones, President, Western Massachusetts Area Labor Foundation

The takeaway

The rally underscores growing tensions over immigration enforcement and calls for a shift in priorities to address issues like public school funding that organizers believe have been neglected in favor of the current 'authoritarian crackdown' on immigration.