New York, United States, (EFE).- Peaceful protests against the administration of Donald Trump swept through major US cities on Saturday, including New York, with demonstrators denouncing “hate,” “censorship,” and what many described as “anti-democratic actions in recent weeks.
Numerous organizations organized marches and events throughout the Easter weekend, but Saturday’s standout was the “50501 Movement,” calling for “50 protests in 50 states and one movement,” drawing inspiration from a massive demonstration held on Apr. 5.
One of the movement’s main grievances was the prominent role of billionaire Elon Musk in the Trump government. “Fuck Musk,” read a sign held by Paula Siqueira, a professional makeup artist marching through Midtown Manhattan.
Siqueira voiced concern over “white supremacy in the U.S.,” associating it with the Tesla CEO. “They hate gays, they hate Black people, they hate Jews, they hate foreigners,” she said, before joining a friend proudly waving a sign featuring the transgender flag among the crowds of tourists.
Both protesters said they would continue to attend these “civilized” demonstrations without fear, as did Brian Argueta, a Guatemalan student who carried a sign protesting the mistaken deportation of Salvadoran resident Kilmar Ábrego and the “kidnapping” of Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk.
Argueta criticized what he called attacks on due process in both cases, adding that many immigrant friends, including US permanent residents, were afraid to voice dissent publicly given the current political climate, a fear he has also observed through his work with law firms.
“I came from Guatemala ten years ago, and I know what happens when a government starts censoring,” Argueta said.
“It starts with non-citizens. Anyone can end up in a jail like CECOT in El Salvador,” referring to the mega-prison where Washington reportedly deports alleged criminals, and where Ábrego was mistakenly sent.
The “50501 Movement” has called for a “mass mobilization,” warning of “credible threats of aggressive police action, ICE (Immigration Enforcement) presence, and even potential military deployment” at protests in Washington DC and elsewhere.
However, no major incidents have been reported so far.
Other sizable demonstrations took place in cities including Washington D.C., Miami, Detroit, Phoenix, and Portland, according to the movement’s social media accounts. EFE
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