Several dozen protesters gathered in front of Old Main on Monday night for the Student Committee for Defense’s vigil in support of Alex Pretti, followed by a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

At 7 p.m., a speaker representing the Student Committee for Defense stood on the stairs of Old Main, explaining that the protestors had gathered to “continue to fight against ICE after the murder of Alex Pretti,” which they said resulted from ICE operations.

The speaker led chants such as “Say his name, Alex” and “We’re not cold, we’re not afraid.” Protestors were asked to grab signs and banners to stand in solidarity with those impacted by ICE. Protest organizers also offered winter clothes, hand warmers, and thermal blankets due to the low temperatures.

Signs in the crowd read, “Drive Out ICE,” and “No Human Being Is Illegal.” The protest officially began around 7:30, with protestors moving to the front of the Allen Street Gates on College Ave. while holding a banner reading “People’s Justice for Alex Pretti.”

While blocking traffic on College Avenue, protestors had a close call with a car, but appeared uninjured and continued their march down the street. Turning up Fraser Street, the group stopped in front of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and was encouraged to keep marching despite the cold.

Tensions began to rise around 8 p.m., as protestors turned onto Beaver Ave. and continued to block traffic. Drivers held down their horns as the protestors stood before them. Both groups exchanged profanities when agitators blocking the street were hit by a white car. An ongoing vehicle called out, “F*** ICE, but f*** you guys too.”

Protesters approaching the intersection to turn onto Pugh Street had another close call with a car. Those at the end of the group stood facing ongoing traffic, holding up their signs. The crowd filed down the street, turning back onto College Avenue and continuing towards the Allen Street Gates to end their march.

The protest concluded back at Old Main, where the speaker on behalf of the Student Committee for Defense again took the steps of Old Main.

“We’re gonna repeat what we did earlier. We will fight against ICE and make it loud so they hear us, all in Washington, D.C., all in Minneapolis,” the speaker said.

The protest dispersed, with organizers handing out flyers urging participants to get involved with the Serve The People Brigade and to provide information about Anti-ICE Community Patrol Trainings available in State College.

“ICE will not want to come here. They will be afraid to come to State College when we get organized,” said the speaker.