The protest for activist Melly Mel on Tuesday saw low attendance despite strong opposition support. Key leaders attended, but concerns arose over her arrest’s ties to activism against the Guyana government versus U.S. immigration policy enforcement. A GoFundMe page has been established to raise funds for her legal fees amid these complexities.
On Tuesday, a protest supporting activist Melissa Ann Holder, known as Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell, witnessed disappointing attendance despite the backing of the political opposition. The event took place at the Square of the Revolution in Brickdam, Georgetown, attended by prominent figures such as Aubrey Norton, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, and Nigel Hughes, Leader of the Alliance for Change. However, the turnout was notably low despite their mobilisation efforts.
Members of the opposition have suggested that Melly Mel’s recent arrest is tied to her activism against the Guyana government. Nevertheless, the protests are fundamentally linked to the United States’ immigration policy, specifically referencing arrests conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. ICE’s primary responsibility involves enforcing federal immigration laws, which include the criminal investigation and removal of individuals who violate such laws, rather than freedom of speech or political activism.
Since Donald Trump’s administration, there has been an increased focus on stringent immigration regulations and enforcement measures against undocumented immigrants. Reports indicate that Melly Mel traveled to the United States on a visitor’s visa. However, the status of her legal standing in the U.S. remains unclear. Though she claimed U.S. citizenship on social media, her recent ICE arrest indicates otherwise.
In response to the situation, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist in raising funds for her legal expenses, accumulating thousands of dollars. However, this initiative underscores the perception that her arrest correlates with her opposition to the government of Guyana.
In summary, the protest supporting Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell was poorly attended, despite backing from key opposition leaders in Georgetown. Concerns regarding her arrest emphasize the intersections of activism and immigration policy. While the opposition asserts her arrest relates to her activism, fundamental immigration actions by ICE must also be considered. The creation of a GoFundMe page further illustrates the financial and legal ramifications tied to her case.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
