Widespread protests once again engulfed the United States as thousands of demonstrators rallied across all 50 states under the banner of “Good Trouble Lives On”—a nationwide movement named in honor of the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.
Protesters Take Over Federal Plaza in NYC
In New York City, protesters gathered outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building at Federal Plaza, staging a sit-in that blocked intersections, as seen in widely circulated videos on social media.
Signs, chants, and symbolic acts of civil disobedience defined the day as activists denounced Trump-era immigration policies, calling for the abolition of ICE and an end to what they described as “authoritarian overreach” by the administration.
A Coast-to-Coast Movement
Simultaneous demonstrations erupted in:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Oakland, California
- Annapolis, Maryland
Protesters decried healthcare cuts, immigrant crackdowns, and voter suppression efforts, accusing the Trump administration of undermining democracy and civil rights.
“We are navigating one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, one of the organizing groups. “The rights, freedoms and expectations of our very democracy are being challenged.”
The Legacy of John Lewis
The protests were held at 1,600 locations nationwide as a tribute to John Lewis, the youngest member of the Big Six and a key ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Before his death in 2020, Lewis had famously urged Americans to:
“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.”
His words continue to inspire a new generation of activists pushing back against rising political extremism.
LA Tensions and Military Response
The latest wave of demonstrations follows violent clashes in Los Angeles amid increased ICE raids and immigrant detentions. In response, the federal government deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city in June—a controversial move criticized by civil rights organizations. The troops were recalled only this week, days before the renewed protests.
The earlier “No Kings” marches in June, in which millions of Americans took to the streets from New York to San Francisco, set the tone for the sustained resistance.
Bottom Line:
The “Good Trouble Lives On” movement underscores deepening public concern over the direction of American governance. As the legacy of John Lewis becomes a rallying cry for justice, protesters vow to keep marching—until real change is achieved.