LANSING – On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered at the Michigan Capitol to protest President Donald Trump’s administration on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
The rally, organized by Stand Against Extremism in “solidarity” with the 50501 movement, started at noon with a march around the Capitol. Afterward, the crowd gathered in front of the Capitol’s steps to hear from local organizers, politicians, and community members.
John Lathrop, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran from Battle Creek, said Saturday’s event was “about the third” rally or protest he would attended this year.
“I do not agree with the current administration’s policies, especially for veterans,” he told reporters. “Talking about cutting (Veterans Affairs), taking away from veterans…”
Gordon VanTonne, 76, of Waterford Township and a Vietnam veteran, stated that it was “important for people to know what veterans stood for.”
Protesters filled the Capitol lawn, waving handmade signs opposing Trump and Elon Musk and urging Congress, particularly Democratic politicians, to act, similar to the “Hands off!” protest earlier in April. There were fewer protesters than on April 5, when thousands turned out to protest the president’s policies.
Groups such as the Socialist Equality Party and International Youth and Students for Social Equity set up booths along the crowd’s edges. George Kirby, a Downriver resident, stated that he was attempting to raise awareness about the organization and call for unity among the working class.
Kirby, 35, claimed that the American working class and young people were being attacked, and that no major political party was willing to defend them.
“There needs to be international unity for working class people,” he told the audience. “We need a working class party in the United States.”
Shortly before the speakers began, the audience led a chant demanding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a union sheet metal worker and father of three who the Trump administration admitted was wrongfully removed from the country a month ago.
The Trump administration claims Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, which they consider a terrorist organization, and his wife sought a temporary protective order in 2021 following a domestic dispute.
“They need to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back,” Oakland County resident Tara Eavy stated. “There was no due process.” If it is happening to the most vulnerable among us, those with the least power, it will eventually happen to all of us.”
Eavy, 28, held a sign depicting the Statue of Liberty and removed her earrings as if preparing to fight. It said, “Girl.” “Hold my earrings.”
Saturday’s event was just one of many across the nation. Similar protests have taken place in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.