Tallahassee, FL – More than 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Old Florida Capitol on Monday, waving flags from Latin American nations and chanting slogans against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The event was part of a nationwide movement called “A Day Without Immigrants,” which saw Hispanic-owned businesses, including restaurants, shut down for 24 hours to highlight the contributions of immigrants in America.

The protest in Tallahassee brought together students, children of immigrants, and parents, all united to raise their voices against deportation policies and stricter immigration laws. They held signs with powerful messages like “Immigrants Make America Great!” and “We All Bleed Red.”

Voices from the Protest

Among the protest leaders was Amanda Melissa Hernandez, a social worker from Gadsden County whose parents immigrated from El Salvador 30 years ago. Holding a speakerphone, she led the crowd in chants while cars and trucks honked in support.

“We want to show people that we’re here, we’re united, and we support each other,” Hernandez said. “We’re speaking out for those who are scared and couldn’t come out today. We’re here for them.”

Another protester, Briza Patino, a patient care assistant at a local hospital, spoke about the fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration policies. Though she was born in the U.S., her parents came from Mexico, and she worries about their future.

“There’s always a chance my family could be deported,” Patino shared. “When it’s all over the media and even our own president is talking about it, it really heightens our fear.”

Jose Guillen, a U.S. citizen who immigrated from El Salvador, attended the rally with his wife and two daughters. Holding a sign that read, “We are not criminals. We build your houses. We cut your grass. We cook your food. We Make America Great!!!”, Guillen expressed frustration over deportations.

“Nobody likes what’s happening,” he said. “I know they are looking for criminals, but there are more good people than bad. We’re working hard.”

Guillen added that fear has already affected daily life, with some immigrants avoiding work or school. However, he emphasized that his children should witness this moment in history.

“Twenty years from now, they will remember this day,” he said. “We’re all immigrants, looking for a better life, working hard, and trying to live peacefully.”

The Impact of Immigration Policies

Since taking office, former President Donald Trump ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ramp up deportations, primarily targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records or prior deportation orders. His controversial policy to end birthright citizenship was blocked by a federal judge, but enforcement actions have continued.

Just last week, Florida lawmakers met in a special session to pass the Trump Act—officially known as “Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy”—which rejected separate proposals from Governor Ron DeSantis.

Meanwhile, in North Florida, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) worked with local law enforcement to arrest or detain an unknown number of undocumented immigrants.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reported that a dozen people suspected of being in the country illegally were detained in Jefferson County. Additionally, authorities claimed to have arrested members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang in Tallahassee, though details remain unclear.

The Human Cost of Deportations

While the Trump administration has defended its policies as a crackdown on illegal immigration, critics argue that these actions create fear among families and communities. Many of those affected are hard-working individuals contributing to the economy through various jobs in construction, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality.

“We’re not criminals,” Guillen reiterated. “We are workers. We are families. We are Americans in every way except on paper.”

For those at Monday’s protest, the message was clear: immigrants are an essential part of America, and their voices will not be silenced.

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