A group of activists called the “Coalition to March Against the RNC” gathered on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to demonstrate against the “Republican agenda” and the message that the party seeks to convey to its voters during the Republican National Convention which is celebrated this week.
“We are using this march as a direct call to action against the racist and reactionary agenda of the Republican Party,” said the coalition’s spokespeople. Their goal, they said, is to show “points of unity” on issues such as: immigrant rights, reproductive rights, defense against racism, among others.
The Marching Coalition requested permits from local authorities in Milwaukee to be able to demonstrate within a short distance of the Fiserv Forum, the convention venue. However, a federal judge ruled that the protesters could not enter the reinforced security perimeter in the area.
They, however, reached an agreement to hold the event at a distance where their protest could be “heard” inside the perimeter. So, dozens of people arrived at Red Arrow Park in high temperatures with signs with “anti-Trump” messages and Palestinian flags, while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Some Trump supporters and abortion ban advocates also came to the park in a counter-protest, but the mood was calm.
In defense of migrants
Although the main objective was to protest against former President Trump, several activists sent messages protesting the handling of the immigration crisis by President Joe Biden’s administration.
Erika Zurawski, a spokeswoman for MIRAC, a Minnesota-based organization that works on behalf of immigrants, told the Voice of America that “it is extremely important to be present to protest against the Republican agenda” that is “using immigrants for their campaign.”
The activist said that both Republicans and Democrats are “offering more repression and attacks against immigrants” instead of alternatives for protection. Zurawski said that the organization will also demonstrate during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
“We are here to raise our voices against the entire Republican Party platform… We are here to put a different face to Trump’s rhetoric, which is one of hate, where immigrants are used as scapegoats and excuses to launch the campaign they want,” added Marío García, from the organization Voces de la Frontera in Wisconsin.
García said that these demonstrations are crucial during an election period.
Other groups were also seen calling for Cuba to be removed from the US State Department’s list of countries sponsoring terrorism, where it has been since 2021.
Omar Flores, president of the March for the RNC Coalition, said he is confident that the protests will be peaceful and will take advantage of the national platform they will have.
About 2,500 delegates will gather in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention to vote on the party’s presidential nominee, a process that will formally end the primary elections.
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