News Summary
Asheville witnessed thousands gather in solidarity against President Trump’s immigration policies on February 8, 2025. This outpouring of support highlights growing concerns about recent executive orders and actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organizers Karen and Victor Quebrado Perez are building a movement to amplify the Latino community’s voice, drawing parallels to the national ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest. As both grassroots efforts and protests continue, Asheville’s community spirit remains resilient amid political challenges.
Asheville Sees Hundreds March Against Immigration Policies
Asheville was buzzing on Saturday, February 8, 2025, as hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets to voice their discontent with President Trump’s immigration policies. This was just the second demonstration in less than a week, signaling a growing wave of concern among locals about recent immigration measures.
Heavy Traffic and Closing Streets
As the protest kicked off around 3:30 p.m., the Asheville Police Department (APD) braced for heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. By the time the sun began to set, the Montford Street bridge found itself closed due to the swelling crowd. It wasn’t until 6 p.m. that those nearby were relieved to see traffic returning to its usual pace.
A Growing Movement
The previous protest just days earlier, on February 3, also drew a large turnout of over 300 participants. These dedicated individuals stood together, expressing their concerns regarding not only Trump’s immigration policies but also the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At the heart of this movement are siblings Karen and Victor Quebrado Perez, who took the reins in organizing these protests, aiming to shine a light on the critical role of the Latino community in America. Their ambitious vision doesn’t stop at protests; they plan to establish a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Latino community.
Solidarity in Numbers
The protests were part of a nationwide event called Day Without Immigrants, which spread to cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix. Protesters carried signs that made strong statements. Messages such as “We the immigrants make America great” and “Migration is not a crime” echoed through the streets, giving voice to the fears and frustrations of many.
The chants, songs, and passionate expressions from attendees were palpable. Families shared their worries about the potential for separation, particularly as immigration arrests continue to rise. Many of those in attendance had called the U.S. home for years and found themselves confronting the alarming stigma of being labeled as criminals for merely seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Response to Recent Executive Orders
This wave of protests has been fueled by a recent executive order signed by Trump, which aims to end birthright citizenship effective February 19. Shockingly, attorney generals from 22 states have responded by filing lawsuits to stop the controversial order from taking effect, showing that the situation is much larger than just the voices heard in Asheville.
Young Voices Joining the Chorus
The protest saw significant participation from young people, many of whom joined in solidarity with friends and family members unable to attend. They waved their signs and stood together, emphasizing the community spirit that permeated the event.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on recent protests, the organizers are already planning their next steps. They aim to keep the momentum going and build a lasting foundation for the Latino community in Asheville. The grassroots movement speaks to the resilient spirit of the people in this vibrant city.
A Reminder from the Authorities
It’s worth noting that the APD mentioned that no permit was filed for the February 3 protest. While supporting the right to free speech, they did remind the public that blocking streets and potential trespassing could lead to legal consequences. Nonetheless, this did not deter demonstrators, who were motivated to unite for the cause they believe in.
As Asheville continues to evolve and adapt to the changing political landscape, the voices of its citizens are sure to remain loud and clear. With ongoing discussions and future demonstrations on the horizon, the city stands as a beacon of activism and community solidarity.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLOS News
- 13 News Now
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
- Google Search: Asheville protest against Trump immigration policies
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
