Activists in Brunswick, Maine, gathered on January 20, 2026, to protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies as part of the national Free America Walkout. The event coincided with the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and aimed to bring attention to the recent surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the region.
More than 100 participants met at the Town Mall, chanting slogans such as “support the Somalis” and “power to the people.” The protest was organized by the local group Brunswick Area Indivisible (BAI), which has been vocal against the administration’s policies. Sheryl Search, a key organizer, emphasized the need for solidarity, stating, “We’re walking out for the workers, we’re walking out for the immigrants, we’re walking out for health care, we want ICE off of our streets.”
The urgency of the protest was heightened by reports of intensified ICE operations in Lewiston and Greater Portland, as confirmed by local officials. This increase in activity follows the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month, which has sparked outrage and fear among immigrant communities.
Community Response and Solidarity
Brunswick Area Indivisible typically holds demonstrations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but in response to the heightened ICE presence, organizers have added Saturday protests at the Route 1 overpass. Search noted a growing sentiment among residents seeking ways to express their discontent with the government’s actions.
This week’s walkout saw participants carrying signs condemning ICE and the Trump administration. Molly Fawcett, a Brunswick resident, expressed her concerns for friends who are immigrants, stating, “It’s terrifying.” She joined the protest despite having the day off work, underscoring the emotional toll these policies have on local communities.
Supporting the cause, local businesses showed solidarity by encouraging their employees to participate. Hannah Beattie, who manages Hatch on Maine, sold handmade heart signs made from vintage quilts, with proceeds benefiting the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition.
Historical Context and Continued Advocacy
The timing of the protest was poignant, occurring just after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. Participants like Regine Whittlesey, a 72-year-old immigrant from France, drew parallels between the civil rights movement and today’s challenges faced by immigrants. “His words could’ve been written today,” Whittlesey reflected, emphasizing the enduring relevance of King’s message of inclusion and acceptance.
The protest’s atmosphere was charged with both determination and hope, as residents rallied together to advocate for their rights and the rights of their neighbors. As ICE operations continue to raise concerns across the country, Brunswick activists remain committed to voicing their opposition and supporting their community.
The Free America Walkout in Brunswick exemplifies a broader movement across the nation, reflecting a collective demand for justice, compassion, and a reevaluation of immigration policies that affect countless lives.
