Full Breakdown
Veterans Rally Nationwide Against Federal Immigration Policies and Militarization
11/13/2025, 10:06:43 AM
Nationwide Protests on Veterans Day
On November 11, 2025, veterans across the United States organized a series of protests to voice their opposition to federal immigration enforcement and the militarization of American cities under the Trump administration. These demonstrations, part of the "Vets Say No" campaign, took place in major cities including Portland, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., with participants condemning the ongoing deportations and cuts to social services.
Portland Rally Highlights
In Portland, over 200 veterans gathered at Elizabeth Caruthers Park to protest against federal immigration policies and the presence of federal troops in U.S. cities. Chiara Profenna Joseph Funk, a veteran of the Idaho Army National Guard, expressed concerns that the current federal actions mirror the military operations he witnessed in Iraq. “This is not what we fought for,” Funk stated, emphasizing that the use of military tactics against American citizens undermines the values veterans fought to protect. The rally, organized by About Face, culminated in a march to the Portland ICE facility, where demonstrators laid flowers and shouted at federal agents.
Chicago's Call to Action
Similarly, in Chicago, veterans gathered at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to protest against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, particularly the "Operation Midway Blitz." Veteran Julio Cortes highlighted the emotional toll of deportations, stating, “Families are being torn apart, not by enemies overseas, but by federal overreach here at home.” The event also honored Miguel Perez Jr., a deported veteran who had faced significant challenges after his service. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the federal agents' actions, asserting that they violate the constitutional rights veterans fought to defend.
Voices of Dissent
Critics of the federal policies voiced their concerns about the militarization of communities. U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez described the recent federal actions as a “fascist takeover” and called for solidarity among community members. Joanne Gutierrez, an Army Reserve veteran, remarked, “ICE agents took an oath... but when they intimidate families, they break that oath.” This sentiment echoed throughout the protests, where veterans and community members united against what they perceive as an assault on democracy and civil rights.
Official Statements & Responses
The protests were characterized by a strong message against the federal government's approach to immigration and social services. Organizers from About Face and other groups emphasized the need for peace and justice, urging the government to prioritize the well-being of veterans and their communities over militarization and deportation efforts. The rallies served as a reminder of the interconnected struggles faced by veterans and immigrant communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not what we fought for,” — Chiara Profenna Joseph Funk, Idaho Army National Guard Veteran
- “Across our nation, and in this city, families are being torn apart, not by enemies overseas, but by federal overreach here at home,” — Julio Cortes, Co-founder of Green Card Veterans
- “ICE agents took an oath, too, an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect people’s rights, but when they intimidate families and separate children from their parents, they break that oath,” — Joanne Gutierrez, Army Reserve Veteran
Conclusion
The Veterans Day protests across the nation reflect a growing discontent among veterans regarding federal immigration policies and the militarization of American cities. As these veterans continue to advocate for peace and justice, their actions highlight the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the need for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement.
