In at least 21 communities across the state, Nebraskans came together to remind politicians that power belongs to the people. The peaceful March rallies and demonstrations were part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement against federal abuses of power, which once again recorded one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. Nationwide, nearly 8 million people attended a protest.
Thousands of Nebraskans turned out to express concerns about federal and local overreach. Here’s some of what our staff saw and heard.
Protesters in Omaha walk along a sidewalk. One holds a sign reading "Democracy needs your courage." Different colors call out the letters spelling "our rage."
Rebecca Gratz for the ACLU of Nebraska
Nebraskans want ICE out of our communities and said it’s past time for an end to ICE’s cruelty and violence. We saw many signs calling for due process and expressing support for our immigrant friends, family members and neighbors. At a protest in McCook, one rallygoer held a sign with photos of Gov. Pillen’s nearby immigrant detention camp, which served as a prison facility before Pillen offered it to immigration authorities. The message at its bottom read “SHAME ON US.”
The war in Iran was also front of mind for many when it came to recent examples of overreach. Nebraskans voiced their concerns about President Trump’s unilateral decision, which bypassed Congress. Nebraska Examiner spoke to a Lincoln teenager who said the war brought him out to the event.
A protester in Lincoln holds a sign reading "In your heart, you know this is wrong."
Chad Greene for the ACLU of Nebraska
In terms of local issues, Nebraskans are fed up with politicians disrespecting the will of the voters. People were eager to talk about the Nebraska Legislature’s recent undermining of the voter-approved paid sick leave and minimum wage laws and happy to sign the Respect Nebraska Voters petition, which will make it harder for lawmakers to change what voters approve. A Republican protester in Lincoln told one ACLU staff member that “even though I didn’t vote for medical marijuana, most people did." She wants officials to respect what voters have decided.
ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Mindy Rush Chipman collects signatures for the Respect Nebraska Voters campaign at a No Kings rally in Omaha.
Rebecca Gratz for the ACLU of Nebraska
People weren't just showing up against the most recent and most visible abuses — they were showing up against all of it. From posters in support of abortion access to Pride flags and other messages of support for LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, people haven’t forgotten the overreach of recent years that has made our state less free, fair and safe.
A protester holds a sign in support of LGBTQ+ Nebraskans at a No Kings event in Lincoln.
Chad Greene for the ACLU of Nebraska
When something happens at a scale like this, across the state and across communities, it shows something real is driving it. People are showing up because they care about our state and our country and because we are ready to channel concern and anger into action.
In Omaha, Schmeeka Simpson, who is working to build people power with the ACLU of Nebraska, encouraged attendees to sign up for ACLU volunteer opportunities and to make a plan to vote in May. She put it perfectly in a chant that closed out her comments: “We are the people. The people are the power.”
