Arizona Capitol protesters voice concerns over Trump’s immigration, federal agency orders
Feb. 5, 2025
PHOENIX – Protesters gathered at the Arizona Capitol on Wednesday to voice their opposition to the Trump administration and President Donald Trump’s executive orders since his inauguration Jan. 20.
The demonstration was one of a larger, nationwide grassroots movement that originated on social media. The “50501 Movement,” as it’s been dubbed, stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day, and called on locals in each state to protest at their capitols Wednesday. People started to gather in front of the Arizona Capitol around 11:45 a.m., and there were several hundred congregated by the afternoon.
Attendees spanned from young adults for whom this was their first protest to others who wanted to advocate against some of Trump’s actions. Many people voiced concerns over deportation efforts, the defunding of federal agencies and new leaders within the administration.
Jordyn Callahan, 21, described America as a “melting pot of a country” and said the large immigrant population is part of the nation’s identity.
“My grandmother from Korea, (it) took her five years to be able to come to this country,” Callahan said. “All we want is for that process to be so much easier for them and for them to be able to escape the areas and communities that are bringing so much pain and hurt to their lives.”
A few protesters noted these key issues went beyond party lines. Gary Tupper, a Republican who supported Democrat Kamala Harris in her presidential bid, got an email from the 50501 Movement about the event. He said he was infuriated by the Jan. 6 riots he said Trump incited and how Trump recently pardoned the people involved.
Tupper said his purpose for attending was “to send a message to the red Republican Congress and Senate, that we are watching them as well.”
Multiple attendees wanted their state representatives to respond to their worries. Yvonne M., who declined to give her last name, is a member of Desert Progressives Indivisible and wanted more conversation between locals and officials.
“What we have to do is still in the works, because our local representatives in Congress, in the Senate … they should be here making an appearance,” Yvonne said. “I’m asking for them to call a town hall. It’s important that every representative address their constituents – Republican, independent, Democrat.”
Cronkite News reached out to a number of state Republican legislators who were not immediately available for comment.
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen was at the White House Wednesday as Trump signed a new executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, which targets transgender athletes. Petersen posted on X earlier this week encouraging states to help Trump secure the border and further his immigration policies.
Attendees at the Capitol protest used chants such as “The people united will never be defeated” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” to voice their passion and concerns. Clarissa Bela, 44, was a frequent speaker over the megaphone used to communicate with the growing crowd.
Bela said new leaders, including Trump, Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk, are gaining access to data and funds and their actions are impacting every American.
“Literally everything that they’re doing – trying to gut programs – it affects literally every American,” Bela said. “So that’s why I’m here.”
For many people, they wanted to attend the protest to create a united front, educate their peers and voice their opinions.
“Teaching people to stand up for themselves, speak up for their rights, letting them know even if your voice is shaking, even if they don’t agree, even if you have tears coming out of your eyes, it matters, and that’s what’s important,” Bela said.