MIAMI – Downtown Miami played host to one of hundreds of nationwide protests planned for Saturday against President Donald Trump.
A group formed Saturday morning outside the Torch of Friendship at Bayfront Park. Organizers expected hundreds to show up.
Organizers said issues like immigration, democracy, education, climate change, veterans’ rights and national security were top of mind.
Similar protests to Saturday’s “Day of Action” took place in South Florida and across the country in early April.
Protesters held signs with messages like “Dump Trump” and “I’m here fighting for your due process,” a reference to recent court rulings over the administration’s deportations to a prison in El Salvador.
A crowd of peaceful protesters against the Trump administration has gathered by the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami. Organizers say they expect hundreds to show up. @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/f5LrjLgT06
— Hannah Yechivi (@WPLGHannah) April 19, 2025
Protesters said the Trump administration has “betrayed” the people.
“(If) you love the country, I think you got to come out and make that clear, voice that. You know, we don’t just do protests. We try to do everything we can,” protester Martin Vidal said. “Today’s event is also, in large part, a community outreach event. We’re trying to stand up for our fellow citizens and the most vulnerable amongst us, since the government is actively going after them.”
Some demonstrators drew comparisons to the authoritarian regime in Cuba.
One woman held up a sign that said, “Cuba taught us: Freedom is never guaranteed. I’m losing my country again” and “Dictator: Do not recommend. Been there, it’s not good.”
Another sign took aim at Republican U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Florida, reading “Cubano arrepentido,” which roughly translates to “regretful Cuban.”
The protest was expected to continue into Saturday afternoon.