Protesters in Florida Stay Resilient Amid Heightened Tensions

In Florida, protest organizers are taking extra steps to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially after recent events in Los Angeles. The deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles has set a tense atmosphere across the country. This has led to increased caution among organizers in Florida, who are well-versed in dealing with suppression tactics. The Tampa Bay Immigrant Solidarity Network organized a protest at Tampa’s City Hall. The event drew about 100 people, including counter-protesters and a significant police presence. Alan Kim, an organizer, noted the energy and unity among the protesters. Safety measures are being beefed up for upcoming demonstrations, but organizers are not reinventing the wheel. They are doubling down on tried-and-true tactics that have served them well in the past. Helen Amburgey, an organizer with the Pinellas chapter of the National Organization for Women, is coordinating a local "No Kings" anti-Trump protest in St. Petersburg. The response to the Los Angeles protests has prompted her group to focus more on safety plans and guidelines for protesters. Social media reminders are being posted to keep attendees on sidewalks, and safety marshal teams are being expanded. Some organizers are placing a greater emphasis on protecting immigrants without legal status. Many immigrants, including citizens, are worried about being targeted or picked up by law enforcement. Jared Dahan, an organizer for the Pinellas Empowerment Community Hub, mentioned that safety marshals, many of whom are white or white-passing, have an unspoken role in de-escalating situations by physically positioning themselves between law enforcement and immigrants. Karla Correa, an organizer with Pinellas Democratic Socialists of America, is aware that law enforcement or counter-protesters may try harder to suppress demonstrations. Her coalition is organizing a protest outside of Pinellas County Jail. Florida has a history of cracking down on protests, and organizers are extra vigilant. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in 2021 that tightened restrictions on protests, which was challenged by civil rights groups. The bill was eventually sent to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which sided with DeSantis. This past week, DeSantis emphasized Florida's commitment to law and order, comparing it to California's response to protests. Sheridan Murphy, executive director for the Florida chapter of the American Indian Movement, noted that government violence is not new, but the openness about it is. He urged allies to stand up for those at risk, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support.