Protest in Tampa Marks One-Year Anniversary of Trump’s Second Term: A Call for Immigrant Rights and Local Action
Hundreds Rally in Tampa to Mark One Year of Trump’s Second Term
Tampa, FL – January 20, 2023 – In a powerful display of dissent, hundreds gathered outside Tampa City Hall on Saturday to protest the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s second term. Organized by the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee, the event was part of a national day of action led by Legalization for All and 50501 National.
Protesters wielded signs emblazoned with messages such as “Stop ICE murders,” “Fight Trump’s agenda,” and “Stop ICE terror.” The air was charged with chants like “No boots on the ground, no ICE in our streets, end 287(g),” and “Money for education, not for war and deportation.” Support from passing drivers added to the event’s energy, amplifying the voices of those demanding change.
The rally featured speakers from various local movements, including immigrant rights advocates and anti-war activists. Allie Enriquez from Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society criticized Trump’s administration, stating, “Trump and his lackeys scramble to start war with other countries to continue lining their own pockets with war money.”
A focal point of the protest was the controversial 287(g) agreement, which allows local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. Joseph Nohava from TampaIRC highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting, “We have taken up a campaign to get that agreement revoked. This isn’t a theoretical problem; it’s a pressing issue because TPD has already taken $430,000 to start training its cops to be immigration agents.”
Emma Rice from the Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for community control over police actions. “With community control of the police, Tampa Police Department would never have been allowed to sign onto the 287(g) agreement,” she asserted.
The rally also addressed broader themes of resistance against Trump’s policies, referencing the recent murder of Renee Good by an ICE agent and the community’s swift response in Minneapolis. “The resistance from last month alone has shown that people are not willing to take Trump’s attacks lying down,” said Lauren Piniero from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “Everywhere the forces of oppression go, they are met with bravery and defiance.”
As the event drew to a close, TampaIRC encouraged attendees to take action by contacting Mayor Jane Castor, Police Chief Lee Bercaw, and the city council to demand the termination of the 287(g) agreement.
The rally in Tampa is part of a growing national movement, reflecting a collective determination to challenge policies perceived as oppressive and to advocate for immigrant rights and social justice.
For more updates on the movement, follow the hashtags: #TampaFL, #FL, #ImmigrantRights, #PeoplesStruggles, #AntiWarMovement, #Trump, #TIRC.