An undocumented activist brazenly declared her illegal status at a massive anti-Trump rally, leaving conservatives outraged and calling for her immediate deportation as she proudly proclaimed being “undocumented, unafraid, queer, and unashamed.”
At a Glance
- Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream, publicly announced her illegal immigration status at a “Hands Off!” rally in Washington DC
- Rosas’ declaration to over 10,000 protesters went viral, prompting online backlash and widespread calls for her deportation
- Despite being a DACA recipient with temporary protections, Rosas has no path to citizenship under current law
- The rally was part of over 1,000 nationwide protests organized by more than 150 left-wing groups against President Trump’s policies
Bold Public Declaration Sparks Outrage
The executive director of pro-immigration group United We Dream shocked attendees and viewers alike when she took the stage at a massive anti-Trump “Hands Off!” rally in Washington DC. Greisa Martinez Rosas openly declared her immigration status to the crowd of more than 10,000 protesters, stating: “I am an immigrant. I am undocumented, unafraid, queer, and unashamed.” The bold proclamation immediately triggered intense backlash online, with thousands of social media users calling for her immediate arrest and deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics across conservative media and online platforms questioned how someone could so openly flaunt their illegal status without consequences, especially at a time when President Trump has prioritized immigration enforcement. Many suggested that her public statement would naturally make her a target for ICE agents, while others expressed frustration that an undocumented immigrant holds a prominent position leading a national organization with over 400,000 members that actively works to influence American immigration policy.
DACA Status and Activist History
Rosas is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides her with temporary protections and a renewable work permit. Originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, she grew up in Dallas, Texas after being brought to the United States as a child. Her personal story includes significant hardship – her father was deported from the United States and later died, while her mother passed away in 2018. These experiences apparently fueled her decade-long career in immigration activism, which began when she organized student walkouts in Texas.
Despite her protected status under DACA, Rosas remains technically undocumented, as the program offers no pathway to citizenship. This highlights the controversial nature of her very public role as an activist, particularly as she openly challenges immigration enforcement policies while lacking legal status herself. Her organization, United We Dream, has been at the forefront of advocating for expanded protections for illegal immigrants and opposing deportation efforts.
Nationwide Anti-Trump Protests
The Washington DC event where Rosas spoke was just one of over 1,000 protests organized across the country by more than 150 Democratic and left-wing groups. Major demonstrations also took place in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other major cities. The nationwide “Hands Off!” campaign specifically targeted President Trump’s policies, with particular opposition to his recently implemented “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have significantly impacted global markets but have been praised by economic nationalists as necessary to protect American industry.
At the Washington rally, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the president, claiming his economic policies were harmful to both the broader economy and Americans’ personal finances. The coordinated protests highlighted the continuing resistance from progressive organizations to President Trump’s agenda, particularly his strong stance on immigration enforcement, which has seen ICE step up deportations of illegal immigrants throughout the country.
Immigration Enforcement Under Trump
Since President Trump took office, immigration enforcement has been significantly strengthened, with ICE reporting 32,809 arrests in the first 50 days of his administration. Nearly half of those arrested were convicted criminals, reflecting the administration’s focus on removing illegal immigrants who pose security risks. ICE has also been actively deporting students and protesters, emphasizing that even immigrants who are in the country on visas are not immune from enforcement if they violate the terms of their stay.
While there is bipartisan support for deporting undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes, the activist community led by figures like Rosas continues to oppose most deportations regardless of circumstances. The public nature of Rosas’ declaration underscores the ongoing tensions between immigration activists and enforcement agencies, as well as the highly charged political debate surrounding illegal immigration in America. Her decision to publicly announce her undocumented status at a major political rally represents a direct challenge to immigration authorities that many conservatives find both provocative and worthy of enforcement response.
