Louisville protesters join nationwide demonstrations calling for federal reform

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of people wanted their voices to be heard in downtown Louisville Saturday as part of nationwide protests.

Protesters marched around the city voicing their frustration with federal policies and President Donald Trump. Some of the protesters had different reasons for joining the demonstration.

"Mine specifically is for ICE, all of the ICE raids going on right now," said Joy Maytum.

"I'm really against everything Trump's been doing to vets," said Scott Lemire, a U.S. Navy veteran.

"People that I know personally aren't able to do this because of their own fear of being detained and deported illegally," said Camryn Davidson, who lives in Louisville.

The local demonstrations were part of a nationwide "No Kings" protest.

Some protesters focused on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's recent federal actions. Federal immigration raids arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles last week.

"Their family could be taken and they wouldn't even know," Maytum said. "Specifically immigrants who are doing the jobs we don't particularly see sometimes. They're the backbone of our local communities and they're people too."

But others stood against President Trump's executive powers.

"I have a lot of friends who are vets that are worried about getting their aid, they're cutting the veteran suicide hotline," Lemire said. "I've lost a few friends from that and I'm not willing to lose anymore."

As dozens of community members and a few elected officials spoke in Louisville, people also gathered in New Albany and Corydon.

"Everyone deserves equality and their right to be heard and seen, it's protected with the First Amendment," said Tracey Fawcett, who protested in New Albany Saturday morning.

Some pleaded for compassion and due process.

"I just want things done legally, and I want them to realize that they need to put humanity before law in some circumstances," Davidson said.

Unlike the unrest in California, the protest in Louisville remained peaceful.

"It's important to protest, use our right to protest and do what we can," Maytum said.

LMPD said officers didn't make any arrests during the rally or march that was attended by an estimated 4,000 people.

"We as Louisvillians need to stand up and defend those who are our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members," Davidson said.

Organizers said "No Kings" protests were planned in nearly 2,000 locations around the country, according to the movement's website. The protests coincided with Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C. to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which also falls on the president's birthday.

The FBI in Louisville shared a photo Tuesday of an arrest involving federal ICE agents. That post sparked public backlash and reignited questions about local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement. But LMPD said Wednesday they have not been asked to assist with any ICE operations.

In Los Angeles, protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades. Some protests in other cities have led to clashes with police and hundreds have been arrested.

Tensions rose in LA after Trump deployed 4,700 National Guard troops. Some 2,000 National Guard troops have been in the city since last week when the raids set off protests. Some have provided protection to immigration agents making arrests. Another 2,000 Guard members were notified of deployment earlier this week.