Post · BT Free Social

More than 1,000 rally in #PortlandME against #Trump, #ICE

The protest in Monument Square was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday.

by Drew Johnson, January 30, 2026

PORTLAND — "Friday’s protest appeared to be one of the city’s largest in months, dwarfing recent protests that occurred during much warmer weather on hot, sunny summer weekends.

"But it was a frigid January afternoon, and more than 1,000 people turned out anyway. They huddled together, chanting, cheering and holding their signs over the clouds rising from their breaths.

"Real estate was scarce in Monument Square as the demonstrators condemned Trump administration policies, most notably the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and Maine.

"The crowd stretched from One Monument Square to the bus stop across Center Street and lined the opposite side of Congress Street. When they marched, they extended from the square well down Exchange Street. They eventually made it all the way to Commercial Street, with police blocking off roads and forming an escort.

"The protest in Portland was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday, which included a general strike where businesses shut down and students walked out of class, from #California, #Arizona and #Colorado, to #Michigan, #Minnesota and Maine.

"More than 200 Maine businesses participated in some capacity, either by closing their doors or donating a portion of profits to groups and organizations helping immigrants. Some businesses lined the square with tables, handing out hot chocolate, coffee and treats to demonstrators. Many area high schoolers — including in Portland and #LewistonME — walked out of or skipped school altogether."

Archived version:
https://archive.md/E7tnG

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE