Illinois protestors make their voices heard regarding Trump administration

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Hundreds of protestors lined the street outside the Stephenson County Courthouse in Freeport, Illinois, to voice their concerns about the Trump administration on Saturday.

This is a part of a nationwide protest against the Trump administration following his announcement of a sweeping 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S.

“We have a nationwide protest all across the country,” said the protest’s organizer, Jody Coss. “There were 1,100 protests.”

Coss estimated that around 300 people came to the protest. Some protesters spoke out against tariffs, while others shared their concern for the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Coss is concerned about her financial and physical well-being.

“I’m worried about my Social Security, but I’m also worried about health care in the United States,” said Coss. “So I’m worried every day that my check might not show up on the 10th. I’m supposed to get a check. What if it just doesn’t happen one of these months?”

Another protester, who served 6 years in the U.S. Navy, said he is concerned about potential cuts to veteran services.

“There are so many people who already served their country,” said Kevin Lamm. “[Veterans are] behind by four, six, 20 years because they have given their time up to do this. And so now they need those benefits. They’ve earned those benefits. This is not a giveaway. We promised them, and they should be there.”

“When we had indivisible Freeport starting in 2017 to 2020, we would never get this many people out on the street in one protest,” said Coss. “This is unbelievable for Freeport, and I’m really proud of all the citizens that came today.”

Protests also took place in both Beloit, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois, on Saturday.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford and Beloit came together to organize the protests.

The group said the events were a commitment to nonviolent action.

Around 500 people gathered in Beloit at Riverside Park, and about 200 more gathered at Haight Park in Rockford.