GG News Bureau
Washington, 21st January : Thousands of U.S. workers, students, and community members marched through major cities and university campuses on Tuesday to oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and enforcement actions.
Anniversary of second term: The demonstrations coincided with the first anniversary of Trump’s second term, bringing together protests on both local streets and college grounds.
Anger over enforcement tactics: Public anger has grown over recent federal immigration enforcement operations, particularly after the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, which has become a flashpoint issue.
National mood: Polls show increasing disapproval of the use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies, even as the administration claims a voter mandate for strict enforcement.
Voices and Slogans from the Streets
Protesters expressed their defiance in strong terms:
In Washington, D.C., and Asheville, North Carolina, groups chanted slogans such as “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA.”
University students in cities like Cleveland echoed calls of inclusion with chants such as “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.”
High school students in Santa Fe, New Mexico left class to join a “Stop ICE Terror” rally at the state capitol, according to local organizers.
The tone of the protests blended opposition to immigration enforcement with broader demands for civil rights protections and humane treatment of immigrants.
Organisers and Key Issues
Left-leaning groups including Indivisible and the 50501 movement, together with labor unions and grassroots organisations, helped mobilise demonstrators.
Many of these groups are specifically protesting against immigrant detention facilities, including camps in locations such as El Paso, Texas, where multiple detainee deaths have been reported.
Organisers say the demonstrations aim to build pressure on national lawmakers and local officials to rein in federal immigration agencies and reconsider deportation policies.
Administration Response and Continuing Protests
The Trump administration maintains that its immigration enforcement actions are legitimate and reflect voter support for stronger border and internal controls.
Protests were expected to continue into the evening in West Coast cities including San Francisco and Seattle, illustrating sustained mobilisation far beyond the initial marches
