Another anti-ICE protest in Milwaukee, students walk out of Golda Meir School earlier

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Another anti-ICE protest drew about one thousand people to downtown Milwaukee Wednesday evening, Jan. 28.

They said their goal was to show solidarity with Minneapolis and protest what they call ICE violence.

It was organized by a faith coalition, immigrant rights groups, and grassroots community groups. It's the latest in a long list of recent demonstrations held in the wake of Alex Pretti's death.

Familiar people gathered at a familiar place, Wednesday, sharing a familiar message.

Kathy Randall of Pewaukee said, "I'm really worried about the state of our country. And I'm out here protesting for their rights and for my rights."

They mourned Pretti's death and others who have died in ICE custody.

Many nurses attended the rally to honor Pretti, a VA nurse who intervened in Minneapolis when agents pepper sprayed a woman.

Connie Smith is the president of the WFNHP local 5000. She told the crowd, "Nurses are also ethically bound to speak out in the face of injustice and human rights violations."

Several nurses told us they saw themselves in Pretti, and would have tried to help, too.

Retired VA nurse Terry Hess said, "It's ok to cry, isn't it?"

But protesters turned their sadness into action, later marching through the streets, voicing anger and frustration through sometimes explicit chants and signs.

Other anti-ICE events were held throughout the area.

Earlier in day, hundreds of students at Golda Meir School walked out in a similar protest.

One student said, "It is our responsibility to stand up for everyone faced with injustices, not because it is easy or because it will benefit us, but because it is the right thing to do."

They, too, marched to the DHS building.

In Kenosha, Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan said it's still unclear when ICE will come to southeast Wisconsin for targeted operations, but he said they need to be held accountable. "They seem to think they're above the law. And no agency is above the law."

Back in Milwaukee, protesters pledged to keep rallying.

Randall said, "I'm hoping for justice and peace for everybody. And kindness. Kindness to all human beings."

Protesters pointed to border patrol chief Gregory Bovino's removal from Minneapolis as proof protesting makes a difference.

They also want to make an economic impact. They're planning protests and boycotts leading up to the annual May 1 day of action.