JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Another set of nationwide protests were planned to take place on Thursday at courthouses and town squares, including in Duval County, with an overall focus on immigration and deportations.
The “Disappeared in America” protests, organized by Not Above The Law Coalition, will demonstrate against President Donald Trump’s administration’s actions on immigration, specifically with what the organization is calling ”illegal abductions, detentions and deportations."
Nearly two weeks ago, thousands of protests were held across the country as part of an organized event called “No Kings” against Trump’s administration.
RELATED | Thousands protest in Jacksonville area during ‘No Kings’ demonstrations; no arrests reported
Thursday’s protests will focus on immigration.
As part of this event, participants will hold signs and posters displaying the names and faces of individuals they believe have been illegally abducted or deported.
Additionally, a national photo petition will take place, where attendees will capture images with these posters and share them on social media to raise awareness.
According to the White House, a reported 139,000 deportations happened by the end of April during Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan reported nearly 200,000 deportations by the end of May.
On a state level, Governor Ron DeSantis is reinforcing a new immigration detention facility in the Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
“If someone escapes, there’s a lot of alligators you’re going to have to contend. No one’s going anywhere,” DeSantis said.
The swamplands filled with wildlife are being worked on quickly by Florida officials, with a goal of 5,000 detention beds by early July.
A similar detention facility is planned at Camp Blanding, and DeSantis said it is gaining momentum.
“We have some capacity there, so Kevin Guthrie with Division of Emergency Management is working on that,” DeSantis said.
MORE | What to know about ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Florida’s immigration detention site in the Everglades
Thursday’s “Disappeared in America” protest in Jacksonville will take place at the Duval County Courthouse from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm.
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2026 budget, the Trump administration has a goal of 1 million deportations per year.
