Over 100 Boise cyclists took to the streets of Boise with the Boise Bicycle Project to “bike in unity” as a memorial following the killing of two people by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota.
The memorial bike ride in Boise was one of over 200 rides planned in cities around the world following the death of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old who was killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. The bike ride was originally planned by the Minneapolis Angry Catfish bike shop, where Pretti was said to have been a regular customer.
In Boise, the crowd on wheels gathered in front of the Boise Bicycle Project shop at 1027 South Lusk St, and started on their 7-mile ride through downtown and on the Greenbelt.
Before the bike ride, Devin McComas, executive director of the Boise Bicycle Project, spoke to the crowd about the purpose of the ride which he said is finding “strength in community.”
“While we’re all here for reasons surrounding Minneapolis, federal enforcement and memorializing Alex Pretti,” McComas said. “I think it’s also important to say this feels good to be in community today. That’s a powerful thing.”
Before the bike ride, the executive director of the Boise Bicycle Project Devin McComas, spoke to the crowd.
(Shannon Tyler)
McComas said the ride was also in memorial of Renee Good, Keith Porter Jr. and others who were killed by ICE this year. McComas asked the crowd to make “commitments” to the community.
“Can we say ‘No matter who you love, you’re welcome, supported and safe in our community,” McComas said. “No matter what you look like, you are welcome, supported and safe in our community, and no matter where you are from in our community, you are welcome, you are supported and you are safe with us.”
The cyclists were told to stick together, watch for cars throughout the ride and stay to the left lane. Some traffic was backed up downtown during the ride as the cyclists passed through.
One cyclist, Linda Paul, a Boise resident and retired U.S. Postal Service worker, told the Idaho Statesman that she has been participating in protests and gatherings including an anti-ICE protest on the Capitol steps on Friday because she feels the “need to show up.”
“What we’re seeing goes way beyond anything that this democracy has ever stood for,” Paul said. “I feel like the only thing that I can do is vote and show up.”
A local immigrant aid organization, Idaho Organization for Resource Councils, was collecting donations as part of its Idaho Familias Assistance Fund at the start of the bike ride.
Jacky Vazquez, who is part of the organization, said the funds go toward families in need of support. The organization will provide funds to pay rent, utilities, medical bills, gas and groceries, she said.
