More than 2,000 people gathered at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Highland Street on Saturday for the second major “No Kings” protest, demonstrating against former President Donald Trump and the federal presence in Memphis.
Many of the protesters were University of Memphis students or members of advocacy organizations led by students, including Tigers Against Pollution (TAP).
“Tigers Against Pollution is an organization dedicated to lowering emissions and being generally against the fossil fuel industry as a whole,” said Tweak, a member of TAP, “Coming up here, we can link with like minds and chat and build coalitions.”
There were also members of the United Campus Workers union present at the protest.
“It is important to collectivise our work, to push back against fascism and federal occupation in Memphis,” said Emilie Bowman.
Several protesters voiced concerns about the Memphis Safe Taskforce, a coalition of federal agencies including Homeland Security, ICE, ATF, FBI, and U.S. Marshals, currently operating in the city.
“I think if over-policing worked, Memphis would be safe already,” Bowman said. “I don’t think additional police or military occupation are going to make us safer until we address the root causes of crime like poverty and other social issues.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has claimed the taskforce has made over 1,000 arrests in the few weeks they have been in Memphis. It is unclear what the arrests were for or if the number is accurate.
“I do not feel safer,” said one student, who asked to remain anonymous. “I feel like our country is being occupied right now, and the Constitution is being violated. It’s all of our safety being violated.”
Many students also expressed frustration with what they viewed as the Trump administration’s overreach into Memphis.
“Get the f--- out of Memphis,” said Martha Humber, a University of Memphis student.
ICE’s involvement was another focal point of the protest. Several participants referenced a recent MLK50 report revealing that multiple people detained by ICE in Memphis either had no criminal record or had not been found guilty of any crimes.
“This just proves that they’re not actually trying to stop crime,” said protester Jasmine Bernard. “They’re just trying to take people off the street who don’t fit the status quo.”
The rally featured several speakers, including congressional candidate Justin Pearson and gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green.
Protesters chanted, sang, held signs, and even dressed in inflatable costumes. Passing drivers honked their horns in support.
Two counter-protesters were present, and one driver passed by waving a Trump flag. The Daily Helmsman was unable to speak with them.
Mel Eleftheriou can be contacted at mlfthrou@memphis.edu
Luke Lawson can be contacted at llawson6@memphis.edu.
