An estimated 300 people gathered in downtown La Crosse at noon on Sunday, Jan. 12, to protest recent U.S. immigration enforcement actions and American involvement in Venezuela.
The rally took place at the intersection of Fourth and State Street and was a continuation of the wave of demonstrations seen across the country in the past few days.
Large demonstrations have taken place in Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland, and other cities across the US, as thousands nationwide voice anger over recent events.
The crowd assembled at the corner and protesters lined the sidewalks on Third Street, holding handmade signs and waving to passing drivers who frequently honked in support.
The protest was centered around two major issues. One was the opposition to U.S. actions involving Venezuela, expressed through the slogan “No Blood for Oil,” following reports of violence connected to the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro where at least 30 people were killed.
The second slogan, “Ice Out”, was in regard to strong oppositions against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, sparked by the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis mother Renee Good last week in Minneapolis.
Several organizations were active in planning and coordinating the rally including The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Students for Democratic Society (SDS) and various local labor groups.
The event opened with speeches focused on community response and urging civic engagement. Organizers shared information on how residents can safely document ICE activity in La Crosse and emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with those affected by immigration enforcement. Speakers also honored Renee Good and other individuals who have died during encounters with ICE over the past year.
The first address was delivered by the local SDS president, Sami Rojas, who spoke about the need for a broader vision of peace and justice.
“We all gather here today because we share a dream, a dream of peace, of a world beyond war,” the Rojas said. “We dream of an end to senseless and barbaric violence and a waste of our resources and tax dollars.”
The president also criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, saying that communities are witnessing violence carried out without accountability.
“In the past week we have seen the US commit an unabashed terror attack on Venezuela,” Rojas added.
The second speech was delivered by Tasha Lewis, an organizer with La Crosse Indivisible. Lewis encouraged attendees to remain engaged and courageous, urging community members to record and share information if they witness ICE activity. Lewis greatly stressed the importance of collective vigilance.
“Courage is contagious,” Lewis said. “Every story that we share sparks courage in someone else.”
Lewis also promoted an upcoming event planned for Friday, Jan. 16, at La Crosse City Hall where former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, will be delivering a speech aimed at continuing civic engagement and discussion on these issues.
As the speeches concluded, SDS President Rojas left the audience with a powerful message.
“La Crosse, I ask all of you to keep dreaming,” Rojas said. “Every ounce of fear we feel can be used as motivation to stand up and fight back.”
