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Thousands Protest Donald Trump‘s Policies in Jacksonville ‘No Kings Day‘ Rally
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More than 4,000 individuals gathered outside the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday to protest against the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency and the policies of former President Donald Trump. The demonstration was part of a nationwide “No Kings Day” event [1].
“No Kings Day” Protests Sweep the Nation
Organized by 5050-1, the “no Kings Day” movement saw approximately 2,000 demonstrations across the United States, with about two dozen taking place in florida alone. The name reflects the protesters’ belief that Trump views himself as a regal leader, a claim the White House has previously denied, asserting that he is the president of a constitutional republic.
Did You Know? Public opinion on immigration policies in the U.S. is sharply divided,with recent polls showing significant differences based on political affiliation .
Key Speakers and Local Political Tensions
State Representative angie nixon,a Democrat from Jacksonville,served as the keynote speaker at the event. Nixon, known for her outspoken opposition to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, declared her intention to be “the biggest pain in Donald trump’s ass,” eliciting cheers from the crowd.
maria Garcia, an organizer with the Jacksonville Immigrant rights Alliance, addressed local political issues, specifically criticizing City Council Member Rory Diamond for introducing a City Council measure that would block city funds from being used to support immigration services. The measure recently passed, but awaits the Mayor’s signature.
City Council Divided on Racism Allegations
City Council member Jimmy Peluso attended the protest and expressed his support for the demonstrators’ First Amendment rights. While impressed by the turnout, Peluso disagreed with the accusation that some of his colleagues, particularly Diamond, were racist.
Pro Tip: Engaging with local political representatives can be an effective way to voice concerns and influence policy decisions.
Counter-Protest and Differing Opinions
Not all attendees were anti-Trump. Amelia Hughes traveled from waycross, Georgia, to express her support for the former president, stating that she felt compelled to “speak out for those who can’t speak” and expressing concern over what she perceived as excessive hatred towards Trump.
A small airplane flew over the protest site with a banner that read, “Duval for Trump,” highlighting the divided opinions within the community.
Peaceful Demonstration Monitored by Law Enforcement
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office maintained a presence at the protest, blocking traffic at key intersections and monitoring the event with bicycle patrols. However, there were no significant interactions between law enforcement and the protesters.
| Location | Organizer | Estimated Attendance | Key Issues | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duval County Courthouse, Jacksonville, FL | 50
Florida Officials Vow Crackdown on Immigration Protests, Sheriff issues Stark WarningTable of Contents
Amidst rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement,Florida officials have declared a zero-tolerance policy for violent protests,with one sheriff issuing a stark warning that any aggression towards law enforcement will be met with deadly force. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated at a recent news conference that individuals who attack deputies with bricks, firebombs, or guns will face fatal consequences.These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the ACLU of Florida, which cautioned law enforcement agencies against the use of excessive force against protesters. Sheriff’s Warning and State’s stanceSheriff Ivey’s comments, made on June 12, followed a series of protests in Los Angeles against immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.He asserted that while peaceful protest is welcome,any escalation to violence would be met with decisive action. “If you hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital and jail, and most likely get bitten by one of our big, stunning dogs that we have here,” Ivey stated. “If you throw a brick, a fire bomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We’re not going to play.” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed this sentiment, declaring that “Florida will ‘never become California,'” referencing the perception of California as having more lenient policies towards undocumented immigrants and related protests. The state has promised to protect ICE officers, offering support from the Florida highway Patrol if they feel threatened or intimidated Florida Highway Patrol. Did You Know? Florida’s “anti-riot” law, passed in 2021, allows for criminal charges against peaceful protesters if their actions lead to violence. ACLU’s Response and Concernsthe ACLU of florida swiftly condemned Sheriff Ivey’s statements, calling them “extremely un-American” and “unbecoming for an elected leader sworn to protect the public” ACLU of Florida. The organization warned that law enforcement agencies could face importent financial penalties for using excessive force against protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. The ACLU’s stance underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between maintaining order and protecting civil liberties during protests. Since President Trump’s governance began increasing deportation efforts, anti-ICE protests have spread across the nation.While many protests remain peaceful, some have devolved into clashes between protesters and law enforcement, involving incidents of thrown rocks and Molotov cocktails Executive Office for Immigration Review. “No Kings Day” Protests Loomingas of June 14, approximately 2,000 “No Kings Day” demonstrations are planned across the United States, with over 75 protests scheduled in Florida alone. These protests, organized in opposition to President Trump’s policies, raise concerns about potential clashes and the need for law enforcement to manage large gatherings while respecting protesters’ rights. Pro Tip: Stay informed about local protest schedules and potential road closures to avoid disruptions. Florida’s Strategy for Immigration Enforcementflorida is actively developing a “blueprint” for mass deportation, incorporating riot response tactics that other states can adopt. Larry Keefe, the executive director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, emphasized the importance of supporting federal law enforcement officers and their families, irrespective of the state in which they are serving. According to data released in May 2025, the Florida Highway Patrol has detained over 2,000 undocumented immigrants in recent months Department of Homeland Security. FHP Col. Gary Howze stated that the state has detained more than 2,000 undocumented immigrants in the past several months.
Questions for DiscussionHow can law enforcement balance the need to maintain order during protests with the protection of First amendment rights? What are the potential long-term impacts of Florida’s strict stance on immigration enforcement and protests? evergreen Insights: The Evolving Landscape of Immigration Protestsimmigration protests in the United States have a long and complex history,ofen reflecting broader societal debates about immigration policy,civil rights,and social justice.These protests have evolved significantly over time, influenced by changing demographics, political climates, and technological advancements. Historically, immigration protests were often localized and focused on specific issues, such as deportation raids or discriminatory practices. Though,with the rise of social media and increased national attention on immigration policy,protests have become more widespread and coordinated. The current wave of anti-ICE protests is part of this historical continuum, reflecting ongoing concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants and the role of federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws. These protests often draw support from a diverse coalition of activists, community organizations, and advocacy groups, united by a shared commitment to immigrant rights and social justice. The response from law enforcement to these protests has also varied, ranging from peaceful dialog to aggressive tactics, depending on the location and the specific circumstances of the protest. Looking ahead, it is indeed likely that immigration protests will continue to be a significant feature of the American political landscape, especially as debates about immigration reform and border security continue to intensify. understanding the historical context and the evolving dynamics of these protests is essential for policymakers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders seeking to navigate this complex and often contentious issue. Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Protests in Florida
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.consult with a qualified professional for specific legal guidance. Share your thoughts: How should states balance public safety and the right to protest? Subscribe for more updates on this developing story. Florida woke up this Thursday after the passage of Milton with the task of gauging the extent of the ravages of the second hurricane to hit the State, after Helenein two weeks. Fortunately, it was not, according to the first damage estimate, the “storm of the century” that US President Joe Biden had predicted, supported by forecasts that spoke of a meteorological phenomenon with few precedents. The cyclone made landfall as a category 3 (out of a maximum of 5) around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday in Siesta Key, south of the large conurbation of Tampa Bay, which, after all, was spared the worst, and came out the next morning, and after a sleepless night, heading to the Bahamas along the eastern coast, near Cocoa Beach. Everywhere it went, it showed its teeth and showed off its enormous capacity for devastation: it destroyed trees, roofs and light poles, caused flooding in inland towns and left more than 3.4 million customers without electricity. . Despite all those blows, “no [dejó tras de sí] the worst possible scenario,” according to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. More information Rescue teams and local and state authorities woke up early to help the tens of thousands of people affected. The first death toll spoke of five deaths due to the effects of one of the hundreds of tornadoes that it brought with it. Milton and that hit the town of St. Lucie. By early afternoon, it was estimated that the death toll would reach at least 10 across Florida. The roads that cross the State were filled with cars driven impatiently, causing endless traffic jams. On Interstate 75, one of those roads that organize American life in its path and a straight line that crosses the wetlands of the Everglades and connects Miami and its surroundings with the Gulf Coast, vehicles moved slowly, as they opened to allow emergency response teams and trucks equipped to make urgent reconnections of electrical wiring or to collect fallen branches and trees. Many of the private vehicles were loaded to the brim, with entire families and with the things they had been able to gather in a hurry to leave in time for places where they could be safe from the fury of Milton. Now they have to return home to see what the hurricane left in their wake. Brigade members rescue residents of Clearwater, Florida from floods. Mike Stewart (AP) The sky looked blue, like only the calm after the storm looks. In the ditches, small mountains of debris accumulated against the side barriers that separate the water and the crocodiles from the asphalt as reminders of the ferocity of the tornadoes that Milton caused in its outermost areas. This highway was one of the first places that received the onslaught of the hurricane, precisely because of those tornadoes that the cyclone caused on Wednesday, the day in which Florida set a historical record for this type of devastating meteorological phenomena. They were the first to claim victims hundreds of kilometers to the north. The night brought with it one of the images for which he will surely be remembered. Milton: the roof of the Tropicana Field baseball stadium in Tampa Bay, flying through the air as if it had been built with cigarette paper. In addition to being the home of the Rays, the local pride of the city, it doubled its duty in the early morning hours when the hurricane arrived as a shelter for dozens of emergency workers, who were waiting inside for the storm to pass. Despite the spectacular nature of the images, there were no injuries or deaths. Another scene of tragedy came from Clearwater, a vacation town between Tampa and St. Petersburg, which did not suffer the storm surge that Milton’s prediction models had reserved for it. In Clearwater, rescue teams moved aboard amphibious vehicles to reach where they were needed. In an appearance from Washington, Biden congratulated himself at the beginning of the afternoon that the population had heeded the calls of the authorities to get to safety. Throughout the week, they were not afraid to exaggerate when talking about the devastation they attributed to Milton. In the first hours after the storm passed, and without yet knowing the real extent of the havoc it left behind, it seemed that the strategy was successful. “We know from previous hurricanes that it is often the case that more lives are lost in the days following the storm than during the storm itself,” Biden said. “There are still very dangerous conditions in the state, and people should wait for their leaders to give them the go-ahead before leaving.” Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties as Hurricane Milton approaches the state’s west coast. The declaration, issued Saturday intends to mobilize resources and ensure safety of Floridians. Section 1. Section 1 of Executive Order 24-214 is amended to read as follows: Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged residents to follow local advisories and evacuation orders. “We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our communities. Please stay informed and heed the warnings from local officials,” he stated. Emergency services are on high alert, and sandbag distribution sites have been set up across the affected areas to help residents protect their properties. The state government is coordinating with federal agencies to ensure a swift response to any potential impacts from Hurricane Milton. To get updates from the State Emergency Response Team, text FLPREPARES to 888-777. The police knock on the door. They are investigating a possible fraud, they say. “Were you really the one who signed the petition to put Amendment 4 on the ballot in November?” The episode, repeated in broad strokes in numerous Florida counties in recent weeks, according to testimonies collected in local media and social networksis part of a desperate campaign by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis against abortion rights. The concerted effort is aimed at derailing a ballot measure in the state that would strike down the current restriction — which limits the procedure to six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant, with no real exceptions — and which he signed last year after the right was repealed at the federal level. If he receives at least 60 percent of the vote, the right would be guaranteed by the state constitution. The so-called Heartbeat Law was approved by Florida’s Republican-majority legislators in April 2023, with a vote of 70-40, and went into effect on May 1 of this year. It is one of the most restrictive laws in the country, which after the Supreme Court’s historic ruling in 2022 against Roe vs. Wade, the legal precedent that guaranteed access to abortion nationwide, gave the states the power to legislate on the matter. The Heartbeat Law, which is one of the flagships of the popular Governor DeSantis and former candidate in the Republican primaries, only maintains the possibility of having an abortion before the sixth week and only if evidence and documentation are presented to prove that it is a case of rape, incest or human trafficking; if the mother’s health is in danger, two doctors have to certify it, and even in those cases, professionals fear that criminal action will be taken against them. In practice, there is currently no realistic way to legally perform an abortion in Florida. More information The severity of the law generated a strong response from the time it was a bill. And when it was approved, a huge petition drive led by the organization Floridians Protecting Freedom was launched for a petition to put the issue on a referendum in the November 2024 elections. After long months of campaigning, one million signatures were collected, 100,000 more than needed to put a question directly to voters. The signatures were validated for eight months independently and also by the state’s election supervisors. In April, they were finally accepted and ratified by the state Supreme Court, which is close to DeSantis, which appointed five of its seven judges. Trump supporters argue with Harris supporters at an abortion-focused campaign event in Boynton Beach, Florida.CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) The proposed constitutional amendment going before voters is known as Amendment 4 and states: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion prior to viability or when necessary to protect the health of the patient, as determined by the patient’s health care provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor undergoes an abortion.” Since then, the mission of Floridians Protecting Freedom and other allied organizations has been campaigning for Amendment 4. They raised $12 million in two months, according to their accounts, and have not stopped knocking on doors and educating voters, explains spokeswoman Lisa Zayas. “We are talking to people about the risks of the ban, because we are already seeing so many women who are being denied their rights when they need them the most… And we see that the majority of citizens support us. This is a nonpartisan initiative that has support across the board among Floridians.” Polls in recent months and weeks show support for abortion rights and the amendment at between 55 and 69 percent, indicating that the majority needed to become law would be achieved. An examination room at an abortion clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 30.Joe Raedle (Getty Images) Against this backdrop, in late August the Florida executive and legislature began a series of actions attacking the amendment from different angles. First, on August 21, the Supreme Court agreed to a financial impact statement accompanying the amendment’s ballot text. The statement, substantially longer than the amendment itself, reads as follows: “The proposed amendment would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. The increase in abortions could be even greater if the amendment invalidates laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and laws ensuring that only licensed physicians perform abortions. There is also uncertainty about whether the amendment will force the state to subsidize abortions with public funds. Litigation to resolve these and other uncertainties will result in additional costs to state government and courts that will negatively impact the state budget. An increase in abortions may adversely affect state and local revenue growth over time. Because the fiscal impact of increased abortions on state and local revenues and costs cannot be estimated with precision, the full impact of the proposed amendment is undetermined.” Lauren Brenzel, director of the campaign in favor of the amendment, accused the sponsors of the financial statement “Our campaign worked hard to ensure that the language in our initiative met constitutional standards, and the State should meet those same standards of clarity and precision so as not to mislead voters. Any financial impact statement must be legally accurate, unambiguous, direct, clear, and transparent. This sham of a process is a reminder to Florida voters that politicians are playing dirty to overcomplicate and politicize a simple administrative solution.” DeSantis’ next step was the creation of a website by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in open opposition to Amendment 4. State law prohibits the government from using its authority and funds to influence an election or a citizen’s vote. In response to questions raised by the website, which alleges that the amendment endangers women’s health, DeSantis publicly defended himself. “It’s not electioneering. These are things that can absolutely be done through these public service announcements. And I’m glad they’re doing it.” Not satisfied with that, the Florida Department of State, also under the governor’s close influence, recalled some 37,000 of the verified signatures a few weeks ago, citing suspicions of fraud. DeSantis has said that petitions “made on behalf of dead people” were being investigated. That’s when home visits began to verify that the signatories had indeed signed the petition, even though they had already been validated and the deadline to challenge the signatures had long since passed. So it’s unclear what the goal is, as it seems legally unlikely that they can remove the amendment from the ballot at this point. A woman protests against abortion bans on April 13 in Orlando, Florida.Joe Raedle (Getty Images) Lisa Zayas and the rest of the campaign in favor of the amendment see in all these efforts a campaign of intimidation and designed to torpedo the democratic process, but they do not flinch from their own mission. “Obviously, these actions and the dissemination of disinformation are being responded to, which is pathetic and dramatic.” […] “But we are firm in that we see in all our studies, in all our information, that the majority of citizens support it. We will continue to educate to consolidate that support because we know we can achieve it,” says Zayas. In any case, this Friday, Floridians Protecting Freedom and the American Civil Liberties Association (ACLU) of Florida filed a lawsuit against the “misuse of taxpayers’ money to lie to voters about this amendment.” Away from the official campaign, the moves have also sparked multiple legal actions in response, with the Supreme Court this week agreeing to expedite a case against Gov. DeSantis and other officials that accuses them of using their official power inappropriately. The plaintiff asked for a ban on “misuse or abuse of their offices and agencies to interfere with the 4th Amendment election.” While the justices could have dismissed the petition, they have asked that the defendants respond to the allegations by the afternoon of Sept. 23. Local and national leaders at a Harris-Walz campaign event with a focus on the pro-abortion agenda, Sept. 3.CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) All of this could have a broader electoral impact on local elections, for the House of Representatives, the Senate, and even the presidential elections. Indeed, the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, is a resident of Florida and will have to vote for Amendment 4. In recent weeks he has been asked on multiple occasions about his position on the matter and his answers have been inconsistent. First he said he did not support the six-week restriction, only to retract it a few days later. It is not clear whether he will vote for or against Amendment 4, nor what effect this may have on the Florida or national elections. Since Trump’s arrival in politics, Florida has become a state with a clear Republican majority after years of being one of the most important swing territories. Even so, the times that the right to abortion has been put to referendum since the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 in both conservative and progressive states, the majority of citizens have voted in favor of it. And in this presidential campaign, abortion is one of the strongest issues for the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. No one dares to say it out loud for now and the polls indicate that it is highly unlikely, but in the midst of a fierce battle that is putting the issue at the center of the debate, perhaps abortion is once again making Florida a disputed territory. The political landscape in Florida continues to worsen: After the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law made international headlines, the next blow against the LGBTIQ* community has now followed. Without notice, the state tourism website “Visit Florida” has removed all content that was specifically aimed at queer travelers. Until recently, the pages advertised with slogans like “Sunshine for All” and highlighted the state’s openness and diversity. LGBTIQ*-friendly beaches, Pride events and travel tips for queer people were prominently displayed. These pages have now disappeared. A fatal signalThe removal of the content raises many questions, especially against the backdrop of Florida’s increasingly restrictive policies under Governor Ron DeSantisThe “Don’t Say Gay” law, which severely restricts discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, does not appear to be the last attempt to push queer people out of public life. Stacy Ritter, CEO von Visit Lauderdale, is appalled by the decision:
Their criticism is not only directed against the cultural regression, but also against the economic stupidity of this measure. Queer tourism is a significant economic factor that generates billions of dollars worldwide every year. Florida could lose a large part of this income as a result of this move – a potential disaster for the tourism sector, which is the state’s most important source of income. Resistance from the industryWhile the official Florida tourism authority remains silent – inquiries from the media have not yet been answered – some local organizations are taking a combative approach. Visit Orlando and other tourism organizations clearly distance themselves from the decision and continue to actively promote LGBTIQ* travelers. They focus on diversity and inclusivity and see this not only as a moral but also an economic value. Visit Orlando explained to Forbes:
The future of queer tourism in FloridaAlready last year, the Human Rights Campaignthe largest human rights organization in the USA, issued a travel warning for Florida due to the increasingly hostile legislation. Now the state could finally lose its reputation as an open and diverse travel destination. *ck / Sources: queer.deForbes, NBC News |