Hundreds march in Iowa City as part of May Day protests across the country

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Marches took place across the United States Thursday, including Iowa City, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids. Many called for an end to deportation and to disband ICE task forces.

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Stories of fear started in College Square Green Park in Iowa City; people are talking about the paranoia they feel in America today.

“I feel like every day I have to look over my shoulder,” said Iowa City resident Angel Palacios.

Palacios joined hundreds of people who moved from the park to the streets as they made their way to the Ped Mall. There were chants against injustice. It’s why Daniela Pintor Mendoza, a Junior at the University of Iowa, is marching. As a first-generation American and college student, she’s seen a group she belonged to, Unidos, disbanded earlier this year as part of the dismantling of DEI programs.

“It’s like a home away from home,” she said. “It’s one of those programs that helps establish that retention, community, and your sense of belonging.”

Mayor Bruce Teague spoke about coming together and protecting those who live in Iowa City. That includes three University of Iowa students and a graduate who had their visas revoked last month.

“What we know is that when it comes down to city government, there are a few things that we have limitations on, and we have to rely on the legal ramifications to really fight this,” said Mayor Teague.

A majority of the marchers said it was their duty to defend the minority communities living in the U.S.

“I want to stand up for my people, and I want to be able to fight and let them know that they have a voice,” said Palacios.

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