The Largest Anti-ICE Protest in Gainesville History
Over 300 people gathered on Friday, January 30, in the largest anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Gainesville history. This was in support of the US General Strike and to protest ICE murders.
It started with 100 people at the University of Florida (UF) who were present at the "Solidarity Fest” and who came to protest the UF Police Department's (UFPD) 287(g) agreement with ICE. The 287(g) agreement deputizes local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement functions, such as arresting individuals suspected of immigration violations. UFPD is not the only police force in the county that has entered 287(g) agreements.
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) is the only law enforcement agency in
Alachua County to not sign a 287(g) agreement. According to the Alachua County Jail booking log, since August 1, 2025, there have been over 100 immigration arrests in Alachua County, the majority of which have been conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), while others have been conducted by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Counter-demonstrators were also present at the fest. Most notably, right-wing influencer Kaitlyn Bennett from Liberty Hangout. Her arrival, along with a group of counter-demonstrators, was a visual counterpoint to the protest. Counter-demonstrators started photobombing a speaker who was giving a speech. Upon seeing these groups of anti-ICE protestors gathered closer, trying to cover the signs with their signs, chants began to start again. Eventually, the fest dissipated as many marched over to the corner of 13th Street and University Avenue. Bennett and her crew left as well.
Joining a nationwide organized day of action, many protesters left work or class. The crowd continued growing, eventually to over 300 people. Carrying banners and signs that said “End ICE terror” and “ICE terrorists out,” the audience filled the atmosphere with drums and chants of “The people united will never be defeated” and “Immigrants are welcome here.” Among the protesters was a drummer who beat to the rhythm of the chants.
As the evening came around, the protestors began marching on the street. Initially,
GPD officers tried directing the protesters toward the sidewalk. However, the crowd would not move over to the sidewalk. Seeing that they were outnumbered by the people of Gainesville, GPD Chief Nelson Moya said local police “would try to coordinate traffic as much as they could in order to protect Gainesville residents’ freedom of assembly."
The protesters advanced toward Bo Diddly Plaza, their ranks growing as they passed through downtown. The plaza, a historic public area, transformed into an amphitheater for loud speeches. Shouts of "No Justice, No Peace" and "Abolish ICE" reverberated against the structures, attracting onlookers from surrounding eateries and stores.
The protest in Gainesville reflected activities in other cities, highlighting the call to action for a “general strike.” The turnout was unprecedented for anti-ICE protests in the region. The historic gathering not only demonstrated the deep local opposition to immigration enforcement policies and agreements like 287(g), but also solidified the community's role in a growing national movement.
