Veterans Rally Against Trump's Immigration and VA Policies
Hundreds of veterans gathered in Chicago on Veterans Day to protest the Trump administration's policies on immigration and service cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The rally, organized by the group About Face: Veterans Against the War, featured over 300 participants holding signs that read "No Cuts, No ICE, No Occupation."
The event highlighted concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies targeting immigrants with brown skin or those who speak Spanish. Air Force veteran and healthcare provider Nick Podjasek expressed frustration about veterans being detained under such policies. He also criticized the attacks on working-class people, including those in low-income households, as a tactic to divide and conquer.
Nurses and doctors at the VA have been retiring under pressure from the Trump administration's intimidation tactics, according to Adelena Marshall, a VA provider who spoke out against the administration's actions. Despite the challenges, some, like Marshall, are committed to continuing their work with veterans.
Mohamed Yasin of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights noted that recent reports suggest ICE may be winding down its enforcement actions in Chicago due to community resistance. Army Reserves veteran Edgar Gonzalez attended the rally to show support for fellow veterans opposing Trump's policies.
Veterans are divided on carrying out certain White House orders, according to Navy veteran Michael Applegate, who emphasized his own commitment to refusing such orders that conflict with his values.
Native Illinois Guardsman Kayla Harris also expressed frustration with the administration's immigration and deportation policies.
Hundreds of veterans gathered in Chicago on Veterans Day to protest the Trump administration's policies on immigration and service cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The rally, organized by the group About Face: Veterans Against the War, featured over 300 participants holding signs that read "No Cuts, No ICE, No Occupation."
The event highlighted concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies targeting immigrants with brown skin or those who speak Spanish. Air Force veteran and healthcare provider Nick Podjasek expressed frustration about veterans being detained under such policies. He also criticized the attacks on working-class people, including those in low-income households, as a tactic to divide and conquer.
Nurses and doctors at the VA have been retiring under pressure from the Trump administration's intimidation tactics, according to Adelena Marshall, a VA provider who spoke out against the administration's actions. Despite the challenges, some, like Marshall, are committed to continuing their work with veterans.
Mohamed Yasin of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights noted that recent reports suggest ICE may be winding down its enforcement actions in Chicago due to community resistance. Army Reserves veteran Edgar Gonzalez attended the rally to show support for fellow veterans opposing Trump's policies.
Veterans are divided on carrying out certain White House orders, according to Navy veteran Michael Applegate, who emphasized his own commitment to refusing such orders that conflict with his values.
Native Illinois Guardsman Kayla Harris also expressed frustration with the administration's immigration and deportation policies.
I mean, it's kinda awesome to see so many veterans standing up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the current admin 
. I'm not saying everything is perfect, but at least some people are speaking out and making their voices heard 
. And hey, even with all these protest marches happening across the country, I still think we can make a difference from home too 
. Maybe it's time for us to get involved in our communities and start supporting organizations that align with our values 
?
. As a vet myself, I gotta respect what some of my fellow vets are saying - they're being targeted for being brown or speaking Spanish? That's not right at all! My cousin was actually deported back to Mexico last year because his wife is from Mexico... it's just so messed up.
. I have a friend who works in the mental health department and she's been getting super stressed out about people retiring under pressure. It's like, can't we all just support each other here?
. We need more people standing up for what's right, even if it's uncomfortable. And it's interesting to see how the community resistance is affecting ICE - maybe this is a wake-up call for them? 
. I mean, we all know he's been talking a lot about keeping America great again, but at what cost? The fact that these guys are being detained under his policies just because of their skin color or where they're from is just wrong 
.
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they're all about being heroes on one hand but suddenly becoming super partisan when it comes to politics... can't we just have a united front for once? And btw, what's up with all the "No Cuts, No ICE" signs - isn't that just more division and chaos?
. Our own service members are being treated like dirt because of politics. It's disgusting.
i mean, you'd think they'd be all about supporting our fellow service members but nope! these veterans are standing up for something bigger than themselves - equality & justice for all 
it's so inspiring to see people from different walks of life come together against systemic oppression. Nick Podjasek is speaking truth to power and i love it 
But at the same time, I get it - if they're being treated unfairly or whatever, they have every right to speak out. I've heard some of these veterans are really scared, like Nick Podjasek who's a doctor and an Air Force vet... how can that be? And what's with all this about immigration and detention centers? Can't they just focus on helping the vets instead of being all harsh on immigrants?