Thousands of workers and students across the United States took to the streets and university campuses on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The demonstrations coincided with the first anniversary of Trump’s second term, highlighting growing opposition to his administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement.
Protests Across the Country
Outrage intensified in recent weeks after federal agents dragged a U.S. citizen from her car and fatally shot 37-year-old mother Renee Good in Minneapolis. The incident fueled nationwide anger and became a rallying cry for demonstrators.
- In Washington, D.C., hundreds gathered, chanting slogans such as “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA.”
- In Asheville, North Carolina, protesters marched through downtown streets, echoing similar chants captured in online videos.
- University students in Cleveland, Ohio, rallied with chants of “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.”
- In Santa Fe, New Mexico, high school students walked out of class to join a “Stop ICE Terror” rally at the state capitol.
The protests were organized by left-leaning groups including Indivisible and 50501, alongside labor unions and grassroots organizations opposing immigrant detention camps.
Immigration Enforcement and Public Opinion
The Trump administration has defended its policies, insisting it has a mandate from voters to deport millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. However, recent polls indicate that most Americans disapprove of the use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.
Spotlight on Detention Camps
Criticism has also focused on conditions at detention facilities. In El Paso, Texas, Camp East Montana, a $1.2 billion tent facility on the Fort Bliss U.S. Army base, has drawn sharp condemnation.
U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, a Democrat from Texas, described the camp as “inhumane” in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing complaints from detainees about:
- Foul-tasting drinking water
- Rotten food
- Inadequate healthcare
- Sewage backups and flooding
Escobar noted that only the most severely ill detainees were referred to the camp’s medical unit.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, rejected these claims, stating:
“All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members.”
Despite DHS assurances, the camp has become a focal point of criticism from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocates.
Looking Ahead
The demonstrations are expected to continue in San Francisco and Seattle, with afternoon and evening rallies planned. As Trump vows record deportations of migrants with criminal records, Democrats argue that federal agents are targeting individuals indiscriminately to meet political goals.
The protests underscore the deep divisions over immigration policy in the United States, with activists demanding humane treatment of migrants and accountability for enforcement actions.
