Hundreds March in Downtown Denver to Protest Trump Administration and ICE Operations
Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets of downtown Denver on Saturday as part of a nationwide protest called “Rage Against the Regime.” Organized locally by Colorado 50501, the event called on citizens to “defend democracy” and oppose the policies of the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and what organizers referred to as “oligarchs.” Protesters gathered peacefully throughout the day, marching toward the Colorado State Capitol and voicing concerns about immigration policies and broader threats to civil liberties.
One protester, 20-year-old McKenzee Hales, emphasized the urgency of activism in uncertain times: “Anytime you’re at a protest, you’ll normally hear the chant, ‘Stand up, fight back.’ And that’s kind of just my motto right now.”
Later in the evening, a smaller group staged another protest, focusing on ICE’s recent arrest of over 200 immigrants during a 9-day sweep across the Denver metro area. Tensions escalated briefly when protesters attempted to block Lincoln Street, prompting cars to push through and Denver Police to intervene. Officers pushed demonstrators back onto sidewalks and made two arrests throughout the day. One man was cited for property destruction and disturbing the peace, while another was arrested for impeding traffic and reckless endangerment.
As of Saturday night, ICE had not responded to requests for comment regarding the protests or the concerns raised about its enforcement actions.
