Hundreds of people from Southern Southeast Alaska rallied in Ketchikan on Saturday for the nationwide “No Kings” protest.
Demonstrators crowded onto the sidewalks outside the Federal Building downtown to rally against the Trump administration on Saturday.
Dawn Rosenlund came on the ferry from Coffman Cove Saturday morning for the rally. She first got involved in protests in the 60s, and started protesting again earlier this year. She said she’s worried about the immigration raids happening across the country.
“I’d like people to know that we’re not just here for the blue team,” Roselund said. “I’m here for everybody. I’m here for all sides. I don’t care who you are or how you vote, but we are losing our rights.”
Alaska Public Media reports that more people are being arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Alaska so far this year than the previous two years combined. At least one person was wrongfully detained.
Many of the demonstrators said they have been concerned about the actions of the Trump administration, including concerns about free speech and the federal shutdown.
Barbara Morgan lives in Ketchikan. She said she thinks it’s important for smaller communities to come together in national movements like this one.
“We are a part of a greater community,” Morgan said. “But we really are actually stronger together and that we are more together than it seems on the surface.”
Heavy rains hit downtown as the group marched to Berth 3. Morgan said the rain doesn’t matter when it comes to standing up for the rights of others.
Some people wore inflatable dinosaur costumes and high heels — most people wore their best rain gear. Many were holding signs with phrases like, “It’s a good day to protect democracy,” “End fascism” and “The American Dream is dying.”
Donita O’Dell brought a handful of her own handmade signs to hand out. She sat with a bin full of art supplies and cardboard, offering to make people signs if they didn’t bring their own. O’Dell said she’s not able to do as much physically, but found her own way to show support.
“We are trying to support each other because ultimately, the antidote to facism is community,” O’Dell said. “And here in Ketchikan we need to know that we still are a community and we still have each other’s backs.”
The rally ended under the covered area at Berth 3 a little after 1 p.m.
The No Kings protest in Ketchikan was one of many across the state. Others included Sitka, Nome, Anchorage and Fairbanks.
