Anti-Trump protest fills Indiana Statehouse lawn, part of national '50501' movement

A large group of anti-Trump protestors gathered Saturday at the Indiana Statehouse, part of an ongoing national protest movement.

Local organizers said this is the tenth protest they’ve held so far this year.

Chanting, holding signs and listening to guest speakers, members of the crowd said they're worried about a laundry list of issues — from free speech to deportations — arguing that the Trump administration is behaving in an unlawful manner.

Scott Johnson organized the event with the national group 50501, which is holding protests across the country against the Trump administration.

“We’re just going to keep raising bigger and bigger crowds until he ultimately has to cave to the will of the people,” Johnson said. “A president is not above the law.”

Johnson said he is especially worried about efforts to deport immigrants with green cards. Of particular concern is Mahmoud Khalil, the leader of a Gaza solidarity protest at Columbia University, who now faces deportation despite not being charged with a crime.

Attendees of the protest cited similar concerns about immigration, and what they view as executive overreach from the current administration.

Patrice Bradley is an Indianapolis resident.

“The talk, in particular, about not needing due process is really frightening for me,” Bradley said. “I’m fearful for our country and see inklings of Nazi Germany.”

Karen Byrd is with 50501 and stood along the road outside the protest, waving an American flag as cars passed by.

“No matter what your political persuasion is, I don’t think we can have a functioning country without the rule of law, without people following agreed-upon rules,” Byrd said.

Byrd said she was especially concerned by the Trump administration’s response to a U.S. Supreme Court order that they “facilitate” the return of a Salvadoran immigrant sent to El Salvador.

A federal district judge admonished the Trump administration for its inaction on the issue just last week.

Members of the group say another protest is already planned for May.

Contact WFYI and Side Effects Public Media's Health Reporter Benjamin Thorp at bthorp@wfyi.org.