Braving the freezing cold weather, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of New York City on Tuesday to voice their opposition to a range of U.S. government policies.
In spite of a temperature of 7 degrees Celsius below zero on the day, a growing crowd gathered in front of the New York Public Library to express their dissatisfaction over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as U.S. violation of international law, with many urging the current administration to shift its focus toward issues affecting people's daily lives, including education and healthcare.
The protest lasted for several hours, with protesters determined to force the government to make changes.
"The U.S. government's attacks on immigrants and U.S. foreign workers alike with the ICE raids. They're using terror on the people. They're trying to crush people's resistance and hope. And so, I'm here to protest against that," said a protester.
"The fight for Palestine, the fight for Sudan, the fight in our own backyard against ICE. Anyone who might follow me back home because I come from a rural area, maybe I can change their minds. But, at the end of the day, you're just going to hope that you can reach people and make a difference," said another protester.
New York City was not the only one to witness such protests, as similar rallies were also held in various locations across the United States on the same day.
Hundreds brave cold to protest against US gov't policies in New York City
Hundreds brave cold to protest against US gov't policies in New York City
Hundreds brave cold to protest against US gov't policies in New York City
Protesters in Washington D.C. joined the "Free America" walkout on Tuesday to rally against U.S. government policies, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's second term.
The Washington demonstration was part of more than 800 walkouts staged across the United States and in countries including Canada, France and Italy.
Organizers urged participants to leave work and school and avoid shopping, aiming to disrupt daily routines, draw attention online, and flood social media with images of the protest.
Many demonstrators voiced deep anxiety about the country's trajectory.
"I'm worried about the future of this country. I mean, we're on a path that is just unbelievable," said a protester.
"Utter disregard for the constitution. I mean, we don't even have a president. A president of the United States would abide by the U.S. Constitution," said another protester.
The protest focused on a wide range of grievances, specifically the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, the deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities, and what demonstrators perceive as an erosion of constitutional rights.
On January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during a federal enforcement operation.
"All immigration policy, the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. I mean, I get a visceral feeling when I see stuff like that. And I just don't know how to respond. And this is one way that I can do. It may not have much of an effect, but at least I feel like I'm doing something," said a protester.
"Work and school can wait, but right now, we need to protect our America," said another protester.
Broader social demands, including a guaranteed living wage and universal health care, were also highlighted.
Organizers hoped these walkouts will set the stage for what they call "Bigger Fights Ahead."
Protesters in Washington join "Free America" walkout against US policies
