Tens of thousands of people rallied at Boston’s No Kings demonstration Saturday, applauding Governor Maura Healey’s claim that President Trump will use ICE to “steal the election.”
Demonstrations Across the Commonwealth
The Boston Common rally was one of many held across the country and hundreds within Massachusetts. Attendees heard criticisms of President Trump from Governor Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. The Dropkick Murphys performed, and frontman Ken Casey highlighted favorite protest signs.
Governor Healey’s criticisms of Trump and his policies have increased since she launched her reelection campaign in January, with a particular focus on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its actions in Massachusetts. She stated, “A lot of stuff is happening. A lot of bad is happening. ICE in our communities, health care is getting cut off, food taken away from people, a war that’s costing a billion dollars a day, including our men and women at risk.”
Healey further asserted, “Donald Trump is going to weaponize every agency in the federal government to steal this election. We’ll see not just ICE agents, but all federal agents are in polling places.”
Focus on Immigration Enforcement
Attorney General Campbell echoed concerns about ICE, publicly supporting the prosecution of federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement in Massachusetts. She stated, “We took on tyranny before and, of course, we will certainly do it again. In Massachusetts, we value our immigrants, all of them. We value their cultural contributions, we value their innovation, we value their art, and so much more.”
Campbell also urged residents to record ICE operations and upload the footage to a newly launched ICE Misconduct Portal for potential prosecution. She argued that the state’s economy “would crumble” without immigrant workers, stating, “If I were Oprah and I had billions of dollars, I would give all of our immigrant workers a day off paid so people could feel the devastating effects of what would happen to our state and our country without them. It would crumble.”
Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a guest at Congressman Seth Moulton’s State of the Union address, also spoke at the rally. He stated, “We were founded on a simple idea that no one person is above the law, no kings, no rulers, just people equal under the Constitution.” Da Silva has previously been invited to Governor Healey’s office and testified before the state legislature regarding immigration enforcement.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll attended a similar rally in Concord while Governor Healey spoke in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the No Kings rally?
The rally primarily focused on criticisms of President Trump and his policies, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Who spoke at the Boston rally?
Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Marcelo Gomes da Silva spoke at the Boston rally.
What action did Attorney General Campbell urge residents to take?
Attorney General Campbell urged residents to record ICE agents conducting operations and upload the footage to the new ICE Misconduct Portal.
Given the strong statements made at the rally, what further actions might be taken by Massachusetts officials in response to federal policies?