Miguel Marquez marches through downtown St. Louis with approximately 1,000 people protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
ST. LOUIS — Around 1,000 people rallied and marched in downtown St. Louis Saturday to show support for immigrant communities amid verbal and political threats from President Donald Trump.
Saturday’s crowd at Kiener Plaza sent a message of protest and defiance through a variety of speeches, chants and signage. Those attending then marched in a roughly 2-mile loop through downtown streets. One recurring slogan on many signs said: “Immigrants make America great.â€
People at the event shared a variety of concerns and spoke in speeches and interviews about how their friends, families or neighbors could potentially be affected by Trump’s immigration policies — especially people of color.
“This place has never been a white, European country only,†said Angel Flores Fontanez, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation who helped lead the demonstration. “It’s shared land. ... We’re going to support our immigrant community unconditionally.â€
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Rhiannon Castizo, of St. Louis, listed several reasons for attending, including having a husband from Mexico who has a green card allowing him to be in the United States. She also said she works in the landscaping industry and that many co-workers are nervous that Trump’s actions could upend their lives.
“I think people are afraid,†said Castizo. “They just want to work and provide a good life for their family.â€
Isabel Diaz Alvarez of St. Louis, a co-organizer of the protest, said “this is just the beginning of something grand.†She said “we’re not going to give up easily.â€
"I am standing for those who can't," said Martha Pinacho, who joined around 1,000 people protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza.
The rally followed a smaller protest on Thursday evening in Woodson Terrace. About 60 people took part in that event, organized by the Hispanic Rights Movement group made up of Ritenour High School students.
Trump has rescinded guidelines that previously prevented federal immigration authorities from making arrests at churches and schools. He also signed an executive order that called for the immediate removal of those in the U.S. without legal status. Trump has of people.
Photos: About 1,000 people protest actions by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration
"I am standing for those who can't," said Martha Pinacho, who joined around 1,000 people protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza.
Miguel Marquez marches through downtown St. Louis with around 1,000 people protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
About 1,000 people gather to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza.
"We are worried about the fate of her mother," said Sergio Fuentes, who carries relative Alexa Rojo, 6, on his shoulders at a rally to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza in St. Louis. Fuentes is a legal citizen.
"My dad was deported when I was in sixth grade," said Braden Alanis, 18, left, who attends a really with Gezel Urbina, at a rally to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza.
Residents pop out their windows as around 1,000 people march down Washington Avenue to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Residents pop out their windows as around 1,000 people march down Washington Avenue to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Artists write on the sidewalk as around 1,000 people march down Washington Avenue to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Drag queen Kama Samudra Kshama attends a rally with around 1,000 people to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Kiener Plaza.
Dani the drummer stands on a remaining mound of snow as around 1,000 people march down Market Street to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
