MIAMI – Protesters gathered near the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami Friday to deliver a simple message on Independence Day.
Despite heavy rain, the message was clear. Protesters spoke out against what they decried as government overreach and abuse of power, particularly the recent immigration crackdown.
“We’re out here on the Fourth of July to do what patriots in this country have always done, which is try to bring us closer to the American ideals,” protester Martin Vidal said. “We’re seeing in the streets of America something that is very un-American.”
He added, “You got groups of masked men going around taking people without warrants, not giving them due process, not identifying themselves.”
Protesters also voiced opposition to the massive tax cut and spending package passed by Congress yesterday, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by President Donald Trump. They took issue with cuts, including those to Medicare and Medicaid.
A protester who identified herself as Linda M. shared her concerns, stating, “I’m very upset about the loss of Medicaid funding, I’m a physician and I’m gonna see that the patients can’t take care of their families. That’s going to come out on all of us.”
Tensions rose when a small group of counter-protesters, led by vocal Trump supporter and former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, arrived.
Protesters surrounded Tarrio, eventually driving him away, while Miami police stood by, keeping a close watch.
“See this, that’s what it’s all about too. Some people are afraid to speak out, even though they don’t agree with the man,” protester Holly Paula said. “But there’s a lot of people that say things, however, they don’t come and participate.”