Brittingham Park to the Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
5/2/2025
They say, "April Showers bring May flowers." This April, the Trump administration continued to rain on the people of this country, including those who have immigrated here for a better life.
The Trump administration has issued 141 Executive Orders since taking office. Two of the 34 issued in April impact our immigrant communities:
- Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens | Presidential Actions, Executive Orders April 28, 2025
- Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens | Presidential Actions, Executive Orders April 28, 2025
These not only threaten those here illegally, but also threaten any U.S. citizen regardless of ethnicity or citizenship status, legal or otherwise.
On May 1st and 2nd, the immigrants of Wisconsin took to the streets for two days of protests, marches, and rallies here and across the state. From Milwaukee to Madison. From Manitowoc to Wausau to Superior, thousands across the state came out to protest the Trump administration's cruel and illegal treatment of immigrants here and across the country. The attendance numbers were close to those of the 2019 Day Without Latinxs & Immigrants—Driver Licenses for All rally.
The group that was in Madison on May 2nd talked about workers' rights and the continued need to treat workers fairly and without scorn or abuse. A large majority of workers in the service industry, factories, construction, and agricultural industries, many working in industries that produce and distribute food, are made up of immigrants who are here legally and those who are not, with many who have been waiting for years to become residents or citizens. And contrary to the false narrative pushed by republicans for decades, immigrants are not taking jobs away from anyone; they are filling job vacancies that U.S. citizens do not want.
In addition to workers' rights, the call for driver's licenses for all was made again. The fight to restore state driver's licenses and state IDs for immigrants has been ongoing since 2006.
From Voces de la Frontera for the May Day 2025 events page:
May 1st
May Day, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, is a powerful demonstration of our collective strength. Our labor fuels the economy, and those who profit from it must respect our rights, dignity, and humanity.
WE DEMAND…
- Stop scapegoating immigrant workers and separating families!
- Defend Medicaid, food stamps, and public education!
- No more tax breaks for billionaires.
- Stand up for sanctuary!
- Immigration reform with a path to citizenship now!
May 2nd
Statewide rally and lobbying day to demand justice for the immigrant and working community. We mobilize to demand:
- Driver's licenses for all!
- Accessible education, including in-state tuition for immigrant students.
- Stop collaboration between ICE and sheriffs!
Note: I am not affiliated with any political organizations. I am an independent freelance photographer who covers marches, protests, and rallies in Madison, Wisconsin. I document the people's right to free speech and their right to organize.
