Immigrants peacefully protest President Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration in Tifton

TIFTON, Ga. –  “Really pay attention to what’s happening around us. Just because it doesn’t affect you directly doesn’t mean that it’s not happening. It is happening. So, just because it’s not directly making an impact on your daily life doesn’t mean that it’s not happening to our friends and our family around us,” said Hannah Strickland, protest organizer.

Peaceful protesters united along Highway 82 in Tifton to express their opposition to recent policy changes implemented by President Donald Trump.

“So, with everything going on in the news lately where they’re separating families scares me because I fear for my own people. And, I don’t know what it’s like to be scared to even go outside anymore. So, it breaks my heart. It makes me worry for them. I asked people if they wanted to come out here today to show support to our friends and family in this country and our county, and luckily, a lot of people showed up and it makes me happy to see how much support we have here today,” said Strickland.

Protest organizer Hannah Strickland, along with other demonstrators, aimed to show their support for immigrants living not only in South Georgia but across the country.

“It’s important for people to know about what’s going on. It’s important for people to be more active and more spoken for those who, I guess, don’t really have the voice,” said Ash Connell, protestor.

“It’s super important. Right? We live in a supremely conservative town. But, we also live in an agricultural based town. And, you know, our economy thrives on that kind of work. And, who does that work? You know, it is the, migrants, the immigrants, so it’s important to be here to support those types of people because they help our community. They’re our neighbors. They’re our friends. So, it’s really good to be out here and getting support for those people,” said Daniel Cordova, protestor.

While protesters are uncertain about President Trump’s future plans, recent actions indicate a significant escalation in immigration enforcement.

On January 20th, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American people against invasion,” which expands expedited removals, denies federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, and imposes penalties on undocumented immigrants who fail to register.

Additionally, the administration has revoked guidance that previously prohibited immigration arrests in sensitive areas such as schools, churches, and hospitals. These measures have heightened concerns among immigrant communities.

While organizer Hannah Strickland uses this protest to show her support, some participants are involved because these policies directly impact their daily lives.

“Well, it’s important to me because I’m first generation. My mother, naturalized. She was born in Mexico. I was born here. Washington, D.C., born and raised. And, it means a lot to me because, it’s a struggle. In essence. And it’s very important that everyone understands that, life is not easy, be it for someone who is documented or undocumented. And I, I do feel that everybody should have a voice and everybody should have a chance to better themselves,” said Richie Soto, protestor.

With President Trump’s second term just beginning, Hannah Strickland anticipates organizing more protests if necessary.

“I’ve heard, not from me, but I’ve heard from several people wanting to do their own, protests. I hear there’s some in Valdosta. I hear some in Alma. They want to do some. So, around here, I don’t know if maybe this will give people inspiration,” said Strickland.

Hannah is also proud of everyone who showed up to support the protest.

“Proud of everybody who has come out here today. I got a lot more people than I was expecting to come out, and I’m just super proud that people came together right here. And, it’s been a peaceful protest. That’s what I wanted was a peaceful protest. And, literally so many people came out. Today, the street is full of people with their families and friends and kids and just showing their signs, and that’s what I wanted. So, I’m super proud of everybody. I came out here today,” said Strickland.

Similar protests took place across Georgia over the weekend, with communities statewide making their voices heard on President Trump’s latest immigration policies.

We were unable to speak to those who agree with President Trump’s recent Executive Order on Immigration.

Colton Creel reporting.

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