Marina
On the evening of June 10, 2025, residents gathered in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, under an Interstate 35 overpass to show solidarity with the communities of both Kansas City and Los Angeles.
The rally, which took place in the heart of the city’s Westside, was a demonstration against federal immigration enforcement efforts and was sparked by the growing concerns over ICE raids and the treatment of immigrants.
The event reflected a peaceful protest aimed at raising awareness of the struggles immigrants face, both locally and across the country.
Many of the protesters shared their personal stories and experiences, and the event highlighted the deep-rooted concerns over immigrant rights and the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies.
The Scene of Solidarity in Downtown Kansas City
The demonstration, which began on Tuesday night, was characterized by the sight of protestors holding signs of solidarity, a clear message of support not only for their local community but also for the immigrant population of Los Angeles.
Immigrants from various backgrounds participated in the rally, with many voicing their desire to see ICE raids come to an end.
In a particularly emotional moment, Jessica Saucedo, one of the participants, shared her feelings of anguish, saying, “I know what this feels like; it’s heartbreaking. I hate it.
I don’t sleep.” Saucedo, along with several other immigrants, took to the streets as part of a collective show of strength and unity, hoping to raise awareness about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on their lives.
The Los Angeles Connection
The rally in Kansas City was not only a local event but also a show of support for the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, which have been at the forefront of demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
In Los Angeles, the protests have centered around opposition to ICE raids, which activists claim are unfairly targeting immigrants and breaking up families.
Many of the protesters in Kansas City expressed solidarity with their counterparts in Los Angeles, calling for an end to the raids and demanding better treatment for immigrant communities.
The signs of solidarity displayed by Kansas City’s protesters were not just limited to local issues but were part of a nationwide movement aiming to challenge and change the policies of the federal government regarding immigration.
A March for Unity and Peace
The group of demonstrators began their march from the underpass, heading east toward the World War I Museum and Memorial, one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks. The protesters’ path was filled with powerful chants and signs promoting unity and peace.
Many in the crowd shared personal experiences of hardship, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another in times of adversity.
“I felt it was my right and my duty to come here as what I had to go through to come here and yell,” said Jessica Saucedo, reinforcing the deeply personal stakes behind the protest. The march was both a display of community strength and a call to action for changes in immigration policies.
Public Safety Concerns and Peaceful Demonstration
Although the rally was largely peaceful, some concerns over public safety did arise. Protesters like Leonardo Hernandez and Michelle Ramos shared their worries about potential escalations, having witnessed an altercation between two men in the street and heard fireworks exploding during the event.
Hernandez expressed his feelings of nervousness, stating, “I thought, you know, you never know what could happen at these events.”
Despite the isolated incident, Hernandez and Ramos remained committed to the cause, emphasizing the importance of unity. “At the end of the day, what you are, what color it doesn’t matter, we’re here to support, make a change. Unity is very important,” Hernandez said, reflecting the peaceful intentions of the demonstration.
Traffic Disruption and the End of the Protest
The march culminated in the blocking of the intersection at Pershing and Main, right in front of Union Station. Protesters, emboldened by their collective message, used the opportunity to draw attention to the cause by halting traffic. Fireworks were also set off during the demonstration, adding to the intensity of the protest.
Despite the disruption, the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) confirmed that the protest remained peaceful. No arrests were made, and no injuries were reported, further underscoring the protestors’ commitment to making their voices heard without resorting to violence.
Key Facts from the Protest
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Kansas City, Missouri |
| Date | June 10, 2025 |
| Key Issues Raised | Support for immigrants, opposition to ICE raids |
| Main Location of Protest | Underneath I-35 overpass, Kansas City’s Westside |
| March Destination | World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Protesters’ Goal | Show solidarity with Los Angeles protests, demand change in immigration policy |
| Public Safety | Peaceful protest despite isolated incident |
The Kansas City protest on June 10, 2025, was an important demonstration of community solidarity and a call to action against ICE raids and other immigration enforcement actions.
The protestors, many of whom were immigrants themselves, expressed their frustration and demanded a change in federal immigration policies.
Through peaceful means and a united message, the protest aimed to amplify the voices of the immigrant community in Kansas City and across the nation, emphasizing that unity is key to effecting meaningful change.