On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, demonstrators will gather at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square to participate in a nationwide day of protest against the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. This event, part of the larger “50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Day” movement, seeks to push back against Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-backed initiative that is driving sweeping conservative policy changes, as well as recent aggressive immigration enforcement actions.
ed. note: We have received this note from @network_nova : “We are concerned that it is a false flag and may pose a danger to those attending. We are a legitimate grassroots group in Virginia called Network NOVA. We are not endorsing this event and are sending out a caution to our members. People should only attend protests or rallies organized by trusted partners and organizations. Please consider letting readers know these facts. We are not in normal times and our country is experiencing an actual coup.”
A National Response to Project 2025 and Immigration Crackdowns
The protest comes in the wake of escalating concerns over the administration’s moves to freeze federal funds, increase deportations, and silence dissent. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently called the unfolding situation a “five-alarm fire,” warning that Trump’s executive orders have already halted key federal programs, including infrastructure funding and scientific research grants. Advocates worry that these cuts could disproportionately harm marginalized communities.
Adding to the outcry, ICE raids have surged under new policies that remove previous restrictions on enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Over the weekend, protesters in Los Angeles took to the streets in response to mass immigration sweeps, temporarily blocking the 101 Freeway in defiance of what they called unjust detentions. Richmond’s protest aligns with similar demonstrations across the country, as people rally against what they see as an unprecedented rollback of civil rights and protections.
What’s Happening in Richmond?
Organizers of the Richmond protest emphasize that this will be a peaceful demonstration. The event, scheduled from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, will feature speeches, chants, and a call to action. Protesters will distribute materials, coordinate advocacy efforts, and encourage continued resistance beyond the single-day demonstration.
The schedule includes:
- 12:00 PM – Opening remarks by organizer Dia Figueroa, outlining the protest’s purpose and goals.
- 12:10 PM – 12:30 PM – Guest speakers and testimonies on the impact of federal policy changes (some speakers TBA).
- 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Chanting and public engagement, with slogans like “Politicians, not puppets!” and “We want democracy, not autocracy!”
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Media engagement, press interviews, and cleanup.
Why Richmond?
As Virginia’s capital, Richmond has long been a battleground for policy debates. Protesters argue that Trump’s second-term agenda threatens many of the social and economic gains made over the past decade. From cuts to federal funding that could impact local infrastructure projects to the expanding power of federal immigration enforcement, these policy shifts have galvanized activists from across the city.
What’s Next?
Organizers encourage attendees to bring signs, share personal stories, and take part in post-protest advocacy. The goal is not just to make a statement but to create lasting political engagement.
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