Hundreds March in Milwaukee May Day Rally, Denouncing Trump's Policies as He Campaigns Nearby

On May 1, 2024, hundreds of demonstrators marched in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Fiserv Forum, the venue for the upcoming Republican National Convention in July, to denounce former President Donald Trump's immigration policies and what they view as his authoritarian tendencies. The rally, organized by immigrant and workers' rights group Voces de la Frontera, took place as Trump held a campaign event in nearby Waukesha.

Cristal Navarro, an 18-year-old participant who has been fighting for the last eight years to support her mother and others facing deportation, expressed her privilege as a citizen to use her voice for those who cannot attend the march due to work or school obligations. The marchers carried posters with strong messages and chants as they made their way to the Fiserv Forum.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera Action, said the event is a call to action for the Latino community to register to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Speakers at the rally criticized Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric and proposals, as well as President Biden's shift to the right on immigration issues.

Why this matters: The May Day rally in Milwaukee highlights the ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding immigration policy in the United States, particularly in battleground states like Wisconsin ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The event also underscores the concerns among some groups about the potential for political repression and right-wing violence under a possible second Trump term.

Meanwhile, at his campaign rally in Waukesha, Trump criticized Biden's handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and the economy. He also addressed issues such as campus protests, abortion, and absentee voting. Despite Biden's narrow victory in Wisconsin in 2020, polls show Trump remains competitive in the state as voters express concerns about the economy.

Organizers of the May Day rally expressed concern about ensuring access for protesters during the Republican National Convention in July. They are working with the ACLU to protect the rights of demonstrators. The Republican National Committee has asked the Secret Service to move protesters away from a park near the convention arena, arguing that the proximity of protesters and attendees could lead to conflicts.

The May Day march in Milwaukee united people from diverse backgrounds, with participants expressing that they are "all stronger when we're together" as children or grandchildren of immigrants. Navarro, the young marcher, emphasized the importance of using her voice to advocate for her mother and others facing the threat of deportation, stating, "I have the privilege of being a citizen, so I'm using my voice for all of our people who can't be here because they have to work or go to school."

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds marched in Milwaukee to denounce Trump's immigration policies.
• Organizers aim to register Latino voters for 2024 election.
• Trump criticized Biden's border and economic policies at nearby rally.
• Protesters concerned about access during GOP convention, working with ACLU.
• Young marcher uses her voice to advocate for those facing deportation.