Hamilton leaders speak out over weekend ‘Mass Deportations’ protest downtown

Hamilton community leaders came together to speak out over a Saturday demonstration near Jackson Square to demand “mass deportations.”

A group of hooded and capped protestors wearing all-black clothing and dark face masks gathered near the downtown shopping complex and held up a large banner that said “mass deportations now.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath took to social media to voice her opinion.

#HamOnt There is no space for hate or discrimination of any kind in our city. Hamiltonians deserve to feel accepted, valued, and safe – and to be able to enjoy their communities free from hate, racism, and discrimination.

As leaders it is our responsibility to stand up to hate… https://t.co/YawHvZU16C

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) November 10, 2024

About 16 local elected officials and community groups also denounced the gathering in a joint statement saying, “Hamilton has no place for fascism and hate.”

Proud to stand with other elected officials and community organizations to denounce the recent display of hate at Jackson Square in Ward 2. Hamilton has no place for fascism and hate. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/UTNAHse4CN

— Cameron Kroetsch (@CameronKroetsch) November 11, 2024

Hamilton Centre MP Matthew Green added that the protest “crosses every line of decency” and Ward 3 City Councillor Nrinder Nann called on the demonstrators to “show their faces” so they could be “accountable for their actions.”

Medora Uppal with the YWCA says it’s time to celebrate the contributions of immigrants to Hamilton, in order to change the narrative.

“I think we need to profile and showcase  newcomers and long-time residents, and I think it’s very important that we recognize we are a country made up of immigrants and Indigenous people,” Uppal said.

“We don’t have a future without immigrants.”

Mayor Horwath further drove the point home, saying “everyone is welcomed in this city.”

Hamilton police have not confirmed if the incident is being investigated.

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