In spite of the excessive sadness, fear, and silence many in America feel, the people have not surrendered to the declining government we face today. When I used to think of this country, I was grateful for all of the opportunities we are given to pursue our aspirations and have the chance to combat what gets in our way. Today, it almost seems like it’s the exact opposite. Millions of Americans have used their power given to them by those who established this country, and it’s time to honor them for doing what millions of others are afraid to do.
At the beginning of 2025 (when President Trump was inaugurated into office), the attacks started almost immediately. Streets all over the country looked like the apocalypse, with repeated ICE raids everywhere and people being chased out of their homes. If it was bad then, it’s no comparison as to what continued to happen throughout the year.
To combat that, people from all over gathered together to form protests, many planned and unplanned, to get the attention of those who can make a change. What good would the first amendment be if we were not using it to its full potential?
In fact, on June 14th, those against the current government organized a world-wide protest known as the “No Kings Protest”. Due to its success, another protest was held months later. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, about seven million people attended the protests in the U.S alone.
Yes, it didn’t automatically make all of America’s problems go away, but it got the attention of so many people worldwide that it made a difference almost just as largebig. Another round of “No Kings Protests” were held again on October 18th, and there’s another planned for March 28, 2026.
A lot of these protests were planned by the many, but much of them were spontaneous. It takes a lot of courage to speak out about what you believe in, and even more so if you stand alone. Small protests such as those that are started by a couple of people have been known to grow into crowds that take up blocks. These protesters, commonly carrying signs or flags, execute their pride by walking up and down the streets of cities, often rallying outside of federal buildings.
Rain or shine, or even freezing temperatures, nothing seems to stop the people of America from fighting. Recently in Minneapolis, the U.S Department of Homeland Security has committed terrible actions against the people of the city. Surprisingly, these acts were done on white, American citizens. Renée Good, a 37-year-old woman was shot while trying to leave an alternation after being harassed by ICE agents. Alex Pretti, another 37-year-old man who was a registered nurse for Veterans, was shot around ten times after being beaten by multiple agents for legally recording the scene and helping a lady up.
These two people, who once had their own aspirations and goals, reduced to a video circulating and a news article. Their unfair murder didn’t only enrage those who were present, but thousands all over America. According to NBC News, thousands of people have protested all over Minneapolis on the streets despite the below-zero temperatures. Not just for the two murderers, but the entire administration that us citizens are currently at the hands of.
These protests, not just a largely planned event, but a perfect embodiment of the American character. People are exercising their rights given to them just by living in this country. But lately, it seems like all the ideals of what this country promised has been taken away. Giving in will not change anything. It’s time for people to act. I urge everyone who is able to protest or strike to do everything they can to support the people who make this country what it is.
Written by Victoria Gonzalez, Editor-in-Chief