Empowering Voices: Health Care and ICE Raids Spark Passion at Madison’s ‘No Kings’ Rally

Laura Rodriguez, 26, joined the “No Kings” protest in Madison on October 18 to stand up for her mother. “Even though my mom is a citizen, she feels scared going out because she’s afraid of being profiled for being Latina,” Rodriguez shared. “Her English isn’t perfect, so she doesn’t want to speak Spanish outside, and it just frightens her.”

She and her friend, Sarah Useche, also children of Hispanic immigrants, want to give a voice to families who don’t have the same privileges. Since the first “No Kings” protest in June, there have been multiple National Guard deployments in various cities like Memphis and Portland. These actions have caused significant public concern and outrage.

At the rally, many expressed their worries about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Devyn Iglesias, a UW-Madison biochemistry student, emphasized that “everyone here, even if undocumented, is part of our community and contributes to Madison.” He criticized recent ICE arrests, calling them “horrifying.” On October 2, seven people were detained in Madison, raising alarms in the community.

Videos of masked agents detaining people have circulated widely online. Reports indicate that most of those detained in Wisconsin have been Latino. A Border Patrol official even stated agents look for people based on “how they look.”

The protest in Madison attracted between 15,000 and 20,000 participants, according to various estimates. It was one of more than 80 protests across Wisconsin and part of a nationwide movement with thousands of “No Kings” rallies planned.

Protesters gathered at McPike Park before marching to the state Capitol. Speakers included former Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, who likened the current government to a monarchy.

After nine months of President Trump’s second term, protests in places like Madison have become well-organized, featuring media coverage and high-profile speakers. Unique symbols of resistance, like inflatable animal costumes, have emerged to create a less confrontational atmosphere. Protesters believe this can foster a sense of community, especially among children, who found the costumes amusing.

Many wore yellow shirts to symbolize solidarity, making them easily recognizable in the crowd.

Concerns at the protest went beyond immigration. Health care, federal worker firings, and press freedoms were also hot topics. Michael Gibson highlighted the issues within the healthcare system, calling it a “train wreck.”

For many, attending such protests is daunting. Some worry about backlash from friends or coworkers if they express their opposition to the government. “I have too many friends who would judge me for being here,” one woman said.

In conclusion, protesters hope for stronger action from their elected officials. “Fight back and don’t back down,” Iglesias urged, reflecting the collective determination to advocate for their communities.

For further information on immigration enforcement operations, you can visit the Center for American Progress for data on affected groups.

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Protest,Trump Administration,Liam Beran,Madison,Lauren Hafeman