Birmingham, January 24, 2026
A recent protest in Birmingham’s Five Points South drew concerned residents voicing strong opposition to the increased presence of federal immigration agents, referred to as ICE. Demonstrators expressed alarm, claiming ICE is ‘surrounding the city like a snake,’ underscoring fears regarding community safety and the impact of federal immigration enforcement on local residents. This protest is part of a wider trend of opposition against immigration policies seen across the U.S., focusing on human rights and the well-being of immigrant communities.
Birmingham
Protesters Allege Increased ICE Presence, Describe Agency as ‘Surrounding City Like a Snake’
A group of concerned residents gathered in Birmingham’s Five Points South within the last 48 hours to voice strong opposition to the perceived heightened presence and actions of federal immigration agents, commonly known as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Demonstrators expressed significant alarm, asserting that ICE is actively “surrounding the city ‘like a snake’,” a statement reflecting their view of an pervasive and intimidating enforcement strategy.
Community Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement
The protest highlighted growing anxieties within the community regarding immigration enforcement activities. Participants met to specifically contest the operational methods and increased visibility of federal immigration agents in the Birmingham area. The vivid imagery of ICE “surrounding the city ‘like a snake'” was used by protesters to convey a sense of being encircled and under surveillance, suggesting a broad and intrusive operational scope affecting various parts of the city.
Those who assembled in Five Points South articulated a shared concern over the impact of these federal operations on residents. The presence of these agents, as described by the protesting group, has led to a climate of apprehension, particularly among immigrant communities and their allies. The demonstrations serve as a public appeal, bringing attention to the methods and scale of immigration enforcement operations currently observed in Birmingham.
Broader Context of Anti-ICE Protests
These recent demonstrations in Birmingham align with a broader pattern of protests against federal immigration policies and enforcement actions observed in various parts of the United States. Just four days prior to the Birmingham gathering, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis engaged in a disruptive action, interrupting a worship service at a local church. This incident underscored a willingness among some protest groups to utilize varied tactics to draw attention to their grievances concerning immigration enforcement.
While the specific circumstances and immediate triggers for protests can vary by location, the overarching themes often revolve around human rights, community safety, and critiques of federal immigration policies. The Birmingham protesters’ claim of ICE “surrounding the city ‘like a snake'” echoes sentiments of overreach and aggressive tactics that have been voiced in other communities facing increased immigration enforcement. These demonstrations reflect ongoing public discourse and activism surrounding the role and impact of ICE in local communities across the nation.
Understanding Federal Immigration Enforcement
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its primary missions include enforcing immigration laws, investigating financial and other cross-border crimes, and preventing terrorism. ICE’s operations can involve arrests, detentions, and removals of individuals found to be in violation of immigration statutes. The agency employs various strategies to fulfill its mandate, which can sometimes lead to public scrutiny and opposition from civil liberties advocates and immigrant rights organizations.
The specific actions and increased presence cited by protesters in Birmingham indicate a heightened level of activity by federal agents. Such activities typically involve efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who are subject to immigration enforcement, which may include those without legal immigration status or those who have violated terms of their entry or stay. Protests like the one in Five Points South are often organized to raise awareness about these operations, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to affected communities.
The terminology used by the protesters, describing ICE as “surrounding the city,” suggests a perception of widespread and coordinated operations that extend beyond isolated incidents, implying a systemic approach to enforcement within the metropolitan area. This perception fuels the urgency and intensity of the protest, as participants express concerns for the well-being and security of numerous residents within the city’s diverse communities.
Local and National Dialogue on Immigration
The recent protest in Birmingham contributes to a continuous national dialogue about immigration policy, enforcement practices, and their effects on local communities. Across the United States, cities and towns frequently grapple with the balance between federal immigration mandates and local community values. These discussions often involve local authorities, community leaders, legal experts, and advocacy groups, all seeking to navigate the complex landscape of immigration law and its social implications.
Events such as the Birmingham protest serve as platforms for local voices to join this broader conversation, highlighting specific regional impacts and advocating for approaches that they believe better serve the interests of their residents. The ongoing nature of these protests, including the recent disruption in Minneapolis, demonstrates sustained public engagement and varying perspectives on how immigration laws should be enforced and how immigrant communities should be treated within the nation’s borders.
The coming days may see further developments or responses from local officials or federal agencies regarding the concerns raised by the Birmingham protesters. As the situation evolves, the community remains watchful, continuing to advocate for what they perceive as fair and humane treatment of all individuals within their city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the primary reason for the recent protest in Birmingham?
- The primary reason for the recent protest in Birmingham was opposition to the perceived heightened presence and actions of federal immigration agents (ICE).
- Where did the protest in Birmingham take place?
- The protest in Birmingham took place in Five Points South.
- What specific claim did Birmingham protesters make about ICE?
- Birmingham protesters claimed that ICE is “surrounding the city ‘like a snake'”.
- Was there a related anti-ICE protest recently in another city?
- Yes, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis disrupted a worship service at a local church.
- What federal agency is ICE a part of?
- ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Key Features of the Birmingham Protests
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Protest against federal immigration agents (ICE) presence |
| Location | Five Points South, Birmingham |
| Timing | Within the last 48 hours (reported as 13 hours ago from source context) |
| Participants | A group of concerned residents/protesters |
| Core Claim | Protesters say ICE is “surrounding the city ‘like a snake'” |
| Related Incident | Anti-ICE protest disrupting worship service in Minneapolis on Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
