Tallahassee rallies against Trump’s ‘National Emergency’

Tallahassee, FL – Over twenty people gathered at the steps of Wescott at Florida State University, February 18, to demonstrate against Trump’s so-called ‘National Emergency.’

As a result of this National Emergency declaration, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) called an emergency action to rally against Trump’s growing anti-immigrant policies, and his plan build a wall to further militarize the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Tallahassee Community Action Committee and Amnesty International also spoke at the rally.

The rally began with chants such as, “No border, no wall, legalization for all,” and “No hate no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

After several speeches the crowd began marching to the steps of the Old Capitol. They took the streets, avoiding the police barricades and warnings from officers to get on the sidewalk.

When they arrived at the capitol intersection, they continued to block the streets, chanting “Who’s streets?” and “Shut it down.”

When asked about the importance of rallying that day, Katherine Draken responded, “We need to stand in solidarity with refugees fleeing from the destruction and poverty caused by American imperialism.”

This rally was in response to a national call to action by National Students for a Democratic Society to oppose Trump’s wall. In addition to Tallahassee, other SDS chapters participated, including University of North Florida, Salt Lake City and Tampa. Students for a Democratic Society also signed on to the nationwide mobilization led by the Legalization for All network.

At the end of the rally, Students for a Democratic Society Vice President Isabela Casanova urged all those in attendance to continue the fight against Trump’s anti-immigrant policies.

“It’s important to show people who feel endangered by this situation that we find ourselves in that they are not alone, and they have support from us.”