On Saturday, April 5, the steps of the Colorado State Capitol came alive when 8,000 protestors rallied and marched in defiance of the current administration. Holding signs and marching with purpose, they gathered to advocate for immigrants’ rights, Palestinian liberation and other social issues.
United under the national “Hands Off” movement, protestors demanded accountability, justice and a future where power does not silence the most vulnerable.
This movement comes at a time when many individuals are facing strong political repression. Students, activists, families and organizers came together not just in protest, but in solidarity — refusing to be passive in the face of injustice.
Among the speakers was Luna Baez Vizguerra, the daughter of Jeanette Vizguerra, who has been in ICE custody since March 17, with many believing her detention to be politically motivated. Not only has she advocated for immigrants’ rights but also for a variety of issues such as a ceasefire in Gaza and transgender rights.
“I’m tired of seeing this sort of barrier where people think that everyone’s fight is exclusive and we can’t all come together toward the same thing,” Luna Baez Vizguerra said. “Because we’re all under attack under the same people, under the same administration.”
As the son of immigrants, Luna Baez Vizguerra’s words struck a deep chord. Her voice wasn’t just calling out from a podium, it echoed a truth many of us carry in our lives — that our struggles are intertwined.
I’ve seen the fear in my parents’ eyes whenever President Trump signs a new immigration bill; I’ve heard their stories of sacrifice and watched the way they move through this country cautiously, always aware of how quickly rights can be taken away.
At the University of Denver, these tensions are always present — sometimes quietly and other times loudly. Attending a predominantly white institution means navigating a space that wasn’t built with you in mind.
It’s feeling out of place at times. It’s hearing classmates talk about “immigration policy” like it’s just politics, while you think about your parents’ faces and your community. It’s learning to speak up when the silence becomes unbearable, even when your voice shakes.
There’s an exhaustion with always having to explain yourself — why a joke isn’t funny, why a word is harmful or why your anger is valid. However, there’s also something powerful about finding others who feel it too.
At DU, I’ve found that strength in student organizations, in conversations that reflect understanding and in moments like this protest — where our presence speaks loudly in moments of uncertainty.
The “Hands Off” protest was an incredible demonstration of the power we hold when we stand in unity. It was a call to action not just to show up in the streets, but to show up in our classrooms and in our communities.
If there’s anything that these recent protests have shown me, it’s that activism takes many forms and its strength lies in our willingness to show up — for ourselves, each other and for justice.
