Since taking office, President Donald Trump and his administration have focused on cutting spending for federal programs, implementing tariffs and deporting those believed to be illegal immigrants without due process. Saturday marked a National Day of Action, and folks nationwide protested Trump’s actions, including in Hopkinsville.
Folks stood along East 9th Street near the Christian County Justice Center with posters, participating in a national initiative known as 50-50-1, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states and one movement. The day of the protests also coincided with the anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
In Hopkinsville, resident Victoria Keith posted on social media, inviting folks to form a protest concerning the current presidential administration and was not sure if a crowd would show up. Keith says she thought it was important to voice her opinions regarding recent immigration matters, such as the illegal deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Garcia is a Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador despite being granted a form of asylum in the country.
Fellow protester, Carolyn Cole, says Trump’s approach to handling immigration is one of her greatest concerns. She says deportations are occurring without any due process.
Along with protesting current deportations, protester Stephen Spicer says demonstrators are also concerned about federal programs and departments that are being cut or are set to receive less funding. Spicer says the recent actions of the Trump administration also show that democracy in the country is under attack.
Following the response to Saturday’s protest, Keith says she is planning another one in May.
