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A WGVU initiative in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation using on-air programs and community events to explore issues of inclusion and equity.

GR Protesters demand Amazon end contract with ICE

GR Rapid Response to ICE

“No contracts with ICE when immigrants pay the price….no contract with ICE when immigrants pay the price.” 

On Thursday afternoon, members of the Grand Rapids Response to ICE, and Movimiento Cosecha GR held a protest at the Amazon distribution facility in Walker Michigan. 

“We are here because Amazon collaborates with ICE. Amazon’s web services host the software that ICE uses to track down, detain and deport immigrants.” 

That’s  Karen Meyers one of the protestors. She says she hopes the groups actions encourage the community at large to stop shopping at Amazon and to reach out to Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos.

“Tell him that his wealth is not worth the pain of family separation, the detention and deportation of our immigrant neighbors.” 

Although Amazon does not provide services directly to ICE, it does host software for companies like Palantir that do provide ICE with software and other forms of technical support according to a report compiled last fall by activist groups. 

In a statement to the public Bezos said that the company will continue to host the software and support the Department of Defense. 

Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.