Hundreds Gather in Des Moines to Protest Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies
In a powerful display of solidarity and activism, hundreds of individuals congregated in downtown Des Moines on January 25, 2025, to voice their opposition to the immigration policies of the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump. The demonstration, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), took place outside the Iowa State Capitol, drawing attention to the urgent need to defend immigrant families in the face of the administration’s controversial actions.
Protesters, armed with homemade signs bearing messages like “No one is illegal on stolen land,” raised their voices in unison, denouncing Trump’s executive orders to close the U.S.-Mexico border and initiate mass deportations. The palpable sense of frustration and determination permeated the air as individuals from all walks of life came together to resist policies they deemed unjust and inhumane.
Chants reverberated through the plaza, echoing the collective outrage and demands for change:
– “Money for jobs and education, not for ICE and deportation.”
– “Up up with liberation, down down with deportation.”
– “Donald Trump can’t you hear, immigrants are welcome here.”
The impassioned crowd listened intently to speakers from the PSL, who urged citizens and lawmakers alike to take a stand against the administration’s divisive measures. Kanai Johnson, an organizer with the PSL, emphasized the importance of organized resistance, noting that uncoordinated efforts often fall prey to state repression.
Following the speeches, the protesters marched towards the Capitol, unfurling their banners of defiance under the watchful eye of law enforcement. The demonstration culminated in a symbolic standoff at the doors of the Capitol, where attendees confronted an Iowa State Trooper before being led away by PSL organizers. The fervor and determination of the protesters were unmistakable, signaling a resolute commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
Among the diverse crowd was Claire Mcgohan, a passionate advocate for social change who refused to stand idly by in the face of injustice. Her poignant words captured the essence of the protest, reflecting the shared sense of responsibility that drove individuals to take a stand for what they believed in. Similarly, Paulina Ocegueda, the youth coordinator for the Ottumwa chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa (LULAC), spoke eloquently about the need to protect and empower immigrant communities in the face of adversity.
The protest also shed light on the broader implications of Trump’s immigration policies, which have led to over 1,000 arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents nationwide. Ocegueda highlighted the fear and uncertainty gripping immigrant communities, underscoring the importance of community solidarity and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
In the midst of the protest, a federal appeals court ruling upheld a temporary block on an Iowa law criminalizing undocumented immigrants, a decision welcomed by advocates and activists. The ongoing legal battles underscored the high stakes involved in the fight for immigrant rights and justice in Iowa.
As the demonstration came to a close, the spirit of defiance and resilience lingered in the air, a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals to stand up for what is right. The call for change resonated far beyond the steps of the Iowa State Capitol, reverberating through the hearts and minds of all those who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
