Kenyan-Led Protest in Denver Challenges Trump's Mass Deportation Orders

Kenyans in the United States have joined thousands of immigrants in a vehement protest against President Donald Trump’s newly implemented immigration policies.

A notable figure among the protestors was a Kenyan national who prominently displayed the Kenyan flag during a demonstration in Denver, Colorado. Videos shared on social media showcase this Kenyan protester leading chants of “Power to the people,” which resonated with a diverse crowd of American residents from varying ethnic backgrounds. The evening protests were marked by participants vocally opposing the president’s controversial policies, particularly regarding his aggressive approach to the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

In one compelling segment, the Kenyan activist addressed a large assembly from a podium, rallying the crowd with a passionate speech. He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to raise their hands and chant, “The people united can never be defeated.” His passionate entreaty prompted an enthusiastic response as the crowd echoed him, emphasizing their collective resolve.

The activist reinforced the urgency of their message, stating, “I can't hear you. I want you to say it until Trump, sitting in the White House, starts wondering what is happening.” Protesters displayed flags representing their countries of origin, with the Mexican flag prominently featured, signalling solidarity with communities already affected by mass deportations. Signs bearing slogans such as “Resist Trump's Nightmare” captured the demonstrators' determination to challenge the new administration's policies.

Since his inauguration on January 21, Trump has prioritized mass deportation after pledging during his campaign to address undocumented immigration aggressively. He signed 100 executive orders on his first day in office, ten of which directly pertained to immigration. This has led to heightened anxiety among the approximately 30,000 Kenyans living in the US without proper documentation. Trump’s commitment to deporting “millions and millions of criminal aliens” has raised alarm regarding an anticipated increase in deportations.

Historically, the US has deported an average of 68 Kenyans each year since 2018; however, under the new policies, projections suggest that nearly three times that number could face deportation this year. Reports indicate that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has identified 1,282 Kenyans among the 1,445,549 non-citizens targeted for deportation under the new directives. As the Trump administration moves forward with its rigorous immigration agenda, the repercussions for immigrant communities remain a pressing concern.