Thousands rallied at Madison’s state capitol on May Day for the annual “Day Without Immigrants” protest.
The annual protest saw rallies all over the country looking to highlight the importance and dignity of labor, but in Wisconsin, Voces de la Frontera placed focus on the impact immigrants have on the economy. Voces de la Frontera held two rallies in Milwaukee, where the organization is headquartered, and in Madison, where thousands rallied. Protesters called for an end to ICE funding and raids, a sensible path to citizenship and freedom to work without worry of citizenship status.
Students and educators played an integral part in the rallies. Around 70% of Madison Teachers Inc., the union that represents teachers in Madison, voted to join in on the rally, leading to a cancellation of classes for the day.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
A march from Madison East and West high schools joined up with the larger rally at the state capitol. A few high school students, along with a middle schooler, spoke at the rally.
“Just think how much better the world would be if ICE didn’t exist. More people would be happier, families would be safer and fewer people will have to worry about their family members being taken away by ICE,” said Natalie Hernandez, a local middle school student. ”We have to speak up for those who can’t and be on the right side of history.”
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway delivered addresses and offered proclamations in recognition of the day.
The proclamations from the two acknowledged the strength of immigrants and their contributions as the backbone of the nation.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
“This is the movement that is on the right side of history. It is the Dane Country way, and I am so proud to be here surrounded by our youth and our elders and our workers, people from around the world who know the fabric of this nation is built on,” Agard said.
A Day Without Immigrants offered a brief glimpse of how communities and the economy are affected in their absence. Around 250 immigrant-led businesses across 17 cities in Wisconsin shut down in recognition of the day, according to Voces de la Frontera.
Elected officials like Rep. Francesca Hong, a gubernatorial candidate, spoke out about how the current presidential administration has treated immigrants. As a daughter of immigrants herself, Hong called the systems “moral rot” and dysfunctional.
“It is an abomination that Trump and his hate profiteers when children, families, our neighbors, are put in cages,” Hong said. “The crises of these times have robbed too many of our capacity and empathy. This is nationwide. We are in a reckoning of when power is wielded to cause fear and goes unchecked.”
Hong called for systems that allowed ICE to operate to be demolished. She called out current elected Democrats, Republicans and Independents as “too cowardly” to stand up for the people and fight to keep families together.
