"We will not sit idly by." Thousands of protesters gather in Denver

Story and photos by Yvens Alex Saintil

On Saturday, April 19th, thousands gathered at the Colorado State Capitol to protest the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on immigrants, education, and democracy.

Organized in collaboration with PSL Denver and the 50501 Movement, the rally and march were part of a nationwide response to a wave of executive orders that have destabilized federal institutions, attacked the public education system, and spread fear and uncertainty throughout immigrant communities.

PSL Denver (Party for Socialism and Liberation) has played a crucial role in organizing resistance across the city, mobilizing working-class communities to fight against a government prioritizing corporate interests and white nationalism over human rights and social welfare. At the heart of Saturday’s protest was a demand to end the illegal deportations that tear families apart and to free all political prisoners currently held for dissenting against oppressive policies. Speakers emphasized the rising criminalization of protest and political speech under the guise of “national security,” calling attention to activists who have been surveilled, arrested, or imprisoned for organizing within their communities.

Fifty states held similar demonstrations to call out the Trump administration’s ongoing targeting of essential social safety nets—namely, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—that millions depend on. Public speakers and signs condemned the administration’s efforts to privatize, defund, or limit access to these life-saving programs to enrich the wealthy elite.

I have been covering PSL Denver for years, and they continue to be a powerful force for grassroots organizing and liberation. The message was clear: communities will not sit idly by as their rights are stripped away — they will organize, fight, and resist.