Rochester Activists Rally at Federal Building, Say Rule of Law Is Under Attack

More than 200 Rochester-area residents gathered outside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on Wednesday to protest what they describe as unconstitutional immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Organized by Indivisible Rochester and supported by several immigrant rights groups, the demonstration was a call to protect due process and uphold constitutional rights.

At the center of the protest was the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who activists say remains imprisoned in El Salvador despite a U.S. court order for his return. Demonstrators demanded his immediate release and return, arguing that his continued detention violates U.S. law.

“These actions aren’t just heartless—they’re a direct challenge to our judicial system,” said Ginny Hall, co-coordinator of Indivisible Rochester. “We’re urging our elected officials to defend the Constitution and take a stand.”

Protesters also criticized what they called authoritarian behavior by the Trump-Musk administration, citing threats to deport U.S. citizens and ongoing rollbacks of civil liberties.

“No parent should fear that taking their child to school could lead to being torn apart,” said Cassandra Bocanegra, organizing and strategy manager for the Finger Lakes office of the New York Immigration Coalition. “Our leaders in Albany and Washington must step up to protect our immigrant neighbors.”

Bocanegra advocated for the passage of the Access to Representation Act, which would guarantee legal counsel for immigrants facing deportation, and the New York For All Act, which would prohibit local resources from being used in federal immigration enforcement.

The rally followed the recent detention of two men from a roofing crew in Irondequoit. With no public information released about the charges or their whereabouts, the incident has fueled demands for transparency and accountability.

“What we’re witnessing is a deliberate dismantling of due process,” said Hall. “This is bigger than immigration—it’s about the integrity of our democracy.”

New York Assemblywoman Sarah Clark and State Senator Samra Brouk, who represent Irondequoit, released a joint statement condemning the detentions and calling for federal oversight.

“Every New Yorker deserves protection,” the lawmakers said. “We will continue to fight for accountability and the rights of immigrant communities.”

The Western New York Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies also voiced support for the protest, calling Abrego Garcia’s reported deportation without due process a “dangerous precedent,” and demanding immediate action from state and federal leaders.

Indivisible Rochester has been urging Senate Democrats to adopt a more forceful strategy in response to what they view as escalating threats to democracy. Their proposals include forming a “shadow cabinet” or strategic messaging hub to counter attacks on civil rights. The group has also called on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign from leadership if stronger action is not taken.

Earlier this month, the organization co-hosted a “Hands Off” rally at Cobbs Hill Park that drew an estimated 4,000 people to protest threats to civil rights and social programs.

Citing research shared by the BBC, organizers noted that nonviolent protests involving at least 3.5% of a population have historically brought about significant political change.

“We’re ordinary people fighting to protect our democracy,” said Hall. “In a city shaped by the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, we stand with clarity, inclusion, and resolve.”

Indivisible Rochester continues to urge citizens to contact their representatives and join their efforts for democratic accountability.