Protests Erupt Across America as Tens of Thousands Rally Against Trump’s Immigration Policies

20 January 2026

People hold signs and a U.S. flag during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies on the one-year mark into his second term in office in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Arafat Barbakh

On January 20, 2026, the United States witnessed a powerful wave of public dissent as thousands of people marched through city streets and university campuses in protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. This nationwide demonstration occurred on the first anniversary of his second term in office and brought together a broad coalition of workers, students, labor unions, civil liberties advocates and grassroots organizers who voiced their deep dissatisfaction with what they view as an increasingly aggressive federal crackdown on immigrants and undocumented residents. The protests underscored not only the ongoing political polarization in the country but also the extent to which immigration has become a defining flashpoint in American civic life.

The marches unfolded in cities large and small from the eastern seaboard to the heartland and beyond. In the nation’s capital, hundreds gathered in Washington, D.C., chanting slogans that reflected their opposition to federal immigration agencies and what they see as unjust enforcement tactics. Similar scenes played out in Asheville, North Carolina, where demonstrators paraded through downtown calling for justice, and Cleveland, Ohio, where university students articulated a vision of inclusivity with slogans welcoming refugees and urging empathy for migrants. High school students in Santa Fe, New Mexico even skipped class to join a “Stop ICE Terror” rally at the state capitol, illustrating the depth of feeling among young participants.

Central to the protesters’ grievances is the Trump administration’s intensified use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, as part of a broader push to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. Many demonstrators pointed to recent incidents they see as emblematic of an overly harsh approach, including the widely publicized death of 37-year-old activist Renee Good, an American citizen who was fatally shot during an ICE operation in Minneapolis in early January. Her death galvanized opposition and helped catalyze the timing and intensity of the January 20 protests, drawing national headlines and fuelling public outrage across demographic lines.

Organizers of the protests represented a diverse network of left-leaning groups and coalitions, among them Indivisible and the 50501 movement, as well as labor unions and grassroots organizations opposed to immigrant detention facilities and what they describe as racially discriminatory enforcement. These organizers emphasized that the demonstrations were not isolated events but part of a broader struggle for civil rights, equality and humane treatment of all people within the United States, regardless of immigration status. In El Paso, Texas, for example, activists highlighted the tragic deaths of multiple detainees at a local detention center as evidence of systemic failures in the way federal agencies handle immigration enforcement.

As the afternoon progressed, marches and rallies spread west to cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, with participants waving flags, holding handmade signs and linking arms in unified opposition to federal policy decisions. Many of the chants that echoed through the streets “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA” and “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here” reflected deeply felt convictions that immigration policy is not simply a matter of administrative procedure but one that speaks to the nation’s identity and moral compass.

The demographic makeup of those who took to the streets was similarly broad, encompassing seasoned activists, families with children, faith leaders, teachers, students and retirees. For many, the protests were both a political statement and an emotional response to stories of families separated, raids conducted in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, and an erosion of what they view as basic human dignity. Speakers at some events invoked historical struggles for civil rights and justice, situating the protest movement within a lineage of American resistance to policies perceived as exclusionary or discriminatory.

Public opinion in recent months has also reflected growing unease with aggressive immigration enforcement. Polling data indicates that a majority of Americans disapprove of the use of force by ICE and other federal agencies, a sentiment that transcends traditional partisan lines and highlights the complexity of public attitudes toward immigration and law enforcement. Many protesters argued that more humane, orderly and just approaches to immigration reform are needed, emphasizing pathways to citizenship, protection for refugees and expanded legal aid for those navigating the immigration system.

In contrast, the administration has framed its actions as a fulfillment of campaign promises and a necessary effort to uphold the rule of law. Officials frequently argue that stringent enforcement is essential to national security and economic stability. This clash of perspectives has driven a cycle of protest and response that shows no sign of abating, with both sides digging in and mobilizing supporters ahead of future political battles.

The sheer scale of the protests also reflected a broader trend in American political engagement, particularly among younger generations who see activism and street demonstrations as vital tools for voicing discontent and shaping public discourse. University campuses, traditionally hotbeds of political expression, became focal points for organizing and mobilizing, as students balanced coursework with participation in events that they believe will shape the future of their communities and country.

As the day ended and marches wound down across time zones, many participants expressed a sense of pride in having made their voices heard while also acknowledging that much work remains. Plans for future demonstrations, including economic actions and general strikes in targeted regions such as Minnesota, have already been discussed among activist circles, suggesting that the movement against current immigration policies will persist beyond a single day of rallies.

The protests on January 20 were more than a momentary expression of dissent; they were a reflection of deep and enduring debates within American society about immigration, justice and the role of government. With thousands having taken part in cities from coast to coast, the demonstrations have underscored both the challenges and the passions that define public engagement with one of the most contentious policy arenas facing the nation today.