NOTE: The author of this photo essay requested anonymity due to the nature of the story. The editors have chosen to honor this request.
In recent months, the United States has seen a wave of state-sponsored terror aimed towards civilians. Sudden hostility is a result of the current administration’s push for mass deportation initiatives. Federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been spotted black-bagging people, operating unmarked vehicles, silencing public political dissent, and recently, killing US citizens.
In 2025 alone, 32 people have died in ICE custody as reported by The Guardian, and tensions have recently coalesced with the executions of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The Department of Homeland Security continues to insist that it is only targeting “the worst of the worst,” although each day it is made clearer to average Americans that what the Trump Administration is conducting is phony, unlawful, and cruel. On January 30, protests sparked across the country, demonstrating solidarity with Minnesota, which has been in the spotlight due to increased ICE activity.
In eras of mass political distress and struggle, state-sponsored propaganda can often cloud up the consensus from the general population. I believe it’s important to highlight a country’s reaction and forms of resistance in order to gauge the public’s true feelings. We, as Americans, have the Constitutional obligation to make our voices heard. Though some may call it naive, I truly do believe the public has the ability to hold elected representatives accountable, especially when enough pressure is put on them.
America has been built through acts of protest and resistance – the Boston Tea Party and 60s Civil Rights movements are examples that instantly come to mind. Showing the administration that they do not have the people’s mandate to carry out secret police operations on our neighbors is a must. Many of the protests that happened on January 30 have been highlighted in bigger cities like Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and New York. But, how is Knoxville, Tennessee, a city in a state that has historically voted red, showing solidarity?
donning a shirt with “Compassion” written in VOLS orange. | Anonymous
Arriving in the freezing cold on January 30, people gathered around Downtown Knoxville to march from World’s Fair Park to the Knoxville City-County Building, displaying their signs while sharing water and hand warmers. A wide demographic of East Tennesseans were seen in attendance. After speeches from Gloria Johnson and other organizers; The crowd begins to march to the county building.
Chants begin to erupt: “ICE OUT, RIGHT NOW” “NO ICE, NO KKK, NO FASCIST USA.”
A man holding a “Jolly Rodger’s Straw Hats” flag from the anime One Piece. The series is about a group of pirates that defend against oppressive world governments, containing many anti-colonial messages. The flag has been reappropriated by younger generations as a symbol of resistance, most predominantly flown during the 2025 anti-government protests in Nepal.
“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy” – The current residing President of the United States of America. | Anonymous
It is important now, more than ever, that we stand in solidarity with our neighbors. The Trump Administration is targeting American citizens and noncitizens alike under the guise of law enforcement, meaning this actively puts everyone at risk. Politicians often put up a facade of being above the law to diminish and discourage protesters, but it is important not to let this deter you from organizing and speaking up with your neighbors. Politicians are meant to work on our behalf. It is important to remember that there are more of us than there are politicians and billionaires combined. Continue applying pressure, continue calling your representatives, and don’t be afraid to make your voice heard.
