Tampa, FL — Despite a thunderstorm and tornado warning, a small but passionate group of workers and community members rallied in Ybor City on May 2 to celebrate International Workers' Day. The rally was organized by the West Central Florida Future Labor Leaders, the youth branch of the West Central Florida Central Labor Council, with demands to defend workers’ and immigrants’ rights.

The speakers included workers from a wide range of unions, such as Graduate Assistants United, the American Federation of Government Employees, Service Employees International Union, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Polk Education Association. An immigrant rights group, the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee, also spoke in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Day Without Immigrants protests.

Just one day before the rally, on May Day itself, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the union-busting SB 1296 into law. The bill is a direct attack on public-sector unions in the state, creating additional barriers to recertification. SB 1296 comes just three years after SB 256, another bill that raised the bar for recertification and decertified more than 100 public-sector unions in the state.

Shortly after losing their union in 2023, the University of South Florida's custodial, groundskeeping and maintenance workers had their jobs privatized. This past year, the workers unionized again, this time with SEIU.

“Since we were privatized, they have taken everything away from us,” said Juan Pena, an electrician at USF and organizer with SEIU 32BJ. “We’re fighting for fair wages, fair contract and salary.”

Speaking in Spanish, Paola Gutierrez with SEIU 32BJ said, “Siempre he dicho que todos unidos somos una sola voz y por eso creo que los sindicatos están listos para defendernos,” or “I have always said all of us united are one single voice and that’s why I believe that unions are ready to defend us.”

The rally ended with a short march around Centennial Park, with attendees chanting “Get up, get down, Tampa is a union town!” The march came to a close just behind the “Immigrant Statue,” a bronze sculpture honoring the Cuban, Italian and Spanish families who immigrated to and built Ybor City.

#TampaFL #FL #MayDay #InternationalWorkersDay #ImmigrantRights #Labor

Jacksonville, FL – On Tuesday, May 12, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee led another mobilization to city council demanding the permanent installment of a mental health emergency response team. This demand is co-signed by a coalition of families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the inept and violent Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO).

Harold Kari, Leah Baker, Justin Knight, Brian Gillis and Rashaud Martin are just a few people who experienced mental health crises then became victims of JSO. In a city where nearly 40% of the yearly budget is allotted to JSO operations, Jacksonville families' only recourse is to call the police in these situations. Protesters demanded that there be another option for Jacksonville residents in need.

“The people of Jacksonville need better,” said Neal Jefferson from the Jacksonville Community Action Committee. “We're tired of the killing. We want to see community care. We want care not cops.”

During public comments, members of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and residents made their demands clear.

They expressed their concerns that JSO officers are unequipped and untrained to respond to 911 calls requiring mental health evaluations, de-escalations and routing residents to care. Demands included the need for officers to radio-confirm appropriate methods for de-escalation and use non-lethal force only, real consequences for officers who use excessive force, and that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office must share requested records of all calls to families within seven business days.

The families’ coalition and the Jacksonville Community Action Committee have held meetings with Mayor Donna Deegan and city council members to further this campaign. The community says they will continue to fight until justice and care are served.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #JCAC

Orlando, FL – An hour before the Orlando City Commission meeting, community organizers rallied outside City Hall to put police accountability back on the agenda. Activists and community members toughed it out in the heat. They crowded around a banner that read, “Say their names” and held “Bring back the Civilian Review Board” signs.

The action was called for by Orlando Against Police Crimes (OAPC), a local grassroots group that fights for justice for the victims of police violence. OAPC is advocating for the return of a civilian review board (CRB) as a step towards justice, accountability and community control over the police.

OAPC organizer Richard Thomas addressed the crowd, “in 2024, the Civilian Police Review Board was dismantled and in the years following there has been an immediate surge in police brutality and community victims.” Thomas went on to describe how that hasty decision was made unnecessarily after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed HB 601, a law designed to intimidate local governments into abandoning civilian oversight of the police.

Longtime community activist Lawanna Gelzer spoke passionately about the right of the community to have real oversight and accountability. Speaking about the long struggle against police crimes in Orlando, she said, “The city council is now debating ICE’s role in the community, but for years they have been acting like ICE in our community!”

Organizer Cassia Laham directed her comments at Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Right now, when the police kill a community member, the media repeats their false narrative, the FDLE [Florida Department of Law Enforcement] whitewashes the investigation, and everything is swept under the rug. The CRB can give families a voice. You have the power to bring it back.” Laham also referred to an ACLU study about the decision to abandon civilian review boards across Florida. It concluded that HB 601 cannot in fact prevent cities from establishing review boards. There are currently two ways that a new CRB could be created in Orlando: through a ballot referendum or mayoral decree.

As the action drew to a close, emcee Edmund Anglero led the crowd in chants of “Justice for Kaleb Williams,” a 20-year-old local tattoo artist who was killed in November by OPD in a botched SWAT raid. Standing alongside Williams’ family, it was a powerful reminder to all in attendance of exactly why the fight for justice must go on.

Afterward, the group attended the city commission meeting and participated in public comment. OAPC organizers vowed to continue their campaign to bring back the CRB. This may have been the first time that some commissioners heard about the fight for police accountability, but it will not be the last.

#OrlandoFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #OAPC #Featured

Jacksonville, FL – Chants of “Who got the power? We got the power! What kind of power? Workers’ power!” echoed in the streets of downtown Jacksonville, May 1, as Duval County celebrated its largest May Day commemoration yet. With over a dozen organizations and union locals in attendance, the community showed up in solidarity with the workers' struggle, with immigrants, and all oppressed peoples of the world.

Attendees reaffirmed the critical work of union organizing and the power of collective action to gain us the rights we have and the rights we'll continue to fight for. “When the beast of imperialism tries to take a bite out of an organized working class, it chokes!” said a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

People's movements united under one banner that read “Workers of the world unite! Fight fight fight!” Other signs read “Money for workers, not bombs!” and “Union busting is disgusting!”

Attendees heard union reps speak from Duval Teachers United, IATSE 115, Starbucks Workers United, IBEW 177, and the North Florida Central Labor Council. Immigrant rights was the highlight of many speeches throughout the program, with connections being made between the movement for legalization for all and workers' rights, the anti-war movement, and state-sanctioned violence experienced by the people who fight back.

“Just like the migrants who work alongside us, we have been reduced to nothing but our labor and the profits we produce for the ruling class,” said a member of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance.

The president of the North Florida Central Labor Council said, “We're here today on May Day to talk about the successful labor struggles of working people, especially our immigrant brothers and sisters, in Palestine, and everyone. We support them.”

The programming closed out with everyone singing in unison Solidarity Forever.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #Labor #ImmigrantRights #MayDay

Space Coast, FL – On May 1, over 100 workers, union members and community members rallied at Kiwanis Park to mark International Workers’ Day, featuring a series of speeches by community organizers and union members.

Speakers included members from the Airline Pilots Association (AFL-CIO), the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance and the pro-Palestine community organization Space Coast Progress Hub. Their demands were heard loud and clear: workers over billionaires, taxing the rich, standing with immigrant workers and highlighting the Palestinian struggle.

Caroline Abidin, member of the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance opened her speech by asking the crowd to join her in chanting, “Los inmigrantes son bienvenidos aquí.” Her speech marked the 20th anniversary of May Day 2006, known as A Day Without Immigrants, when millions of people marched nationwide to protest the anti-immigrant bill HR 4437.

Abidin emphasized that because of May Day 2006, HR 4437 never became law, but 20 years later, the fight is not over. The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), due to Trump’s anti-immigrant and racist policies, continue to cast a long shadow over American communities by disrupting families and generating widespread fear among both immigrant and American citizen residents.

Abidin closed her speech with the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance’s campaign to end the 287(g) agreements with local police departments in Brevard County, stating, “Ending 287(g) is not just about immigration. It is labor strategy. Our labor is our leverage, and our unity is our power. Every worker, regardless of where they were born, deserves dignity, a living wage and the right to come home safe.”

Vance Ahrens, co-founder of the Space Coast Progress Hub, explained how Palestine and the ongoing genocide are central to understanding International Workers’ Day and must not be forgotten.

Ahrens stated, “The Palestinian people are not separate from the global working-class struggle. The same system that exploits workers here arms occupation there. The same ruling class that tells us there is no money for housing, healthcare or schools sends billions to maintain apartheid, siege and war. The same corporations that profit from low wages also profit from weapons, surveillance, checkpoints, prisons and displacements.”

Ahrens told the crowd labor unions around the world have widely adopted the Palestinian cause and have called for union action to halt investment of trade union pension funds in Israel, refuse to handle arms to Israel, and “elevate the American trade union position to the level of the global labor movement.”

Participants concluded the rally by marching across the bridge on the Melbourne Causeway. They carried signs calling for kicking ICE out of Florida, fighting back against billionaires, and removing Trump from office.

#SpaceCoastFL #FL #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Orlando, FL – On Friday, May 1, dozens of community members gathered at BookBurn Cafe and Social in Orlando's Milk District to celebrate International Workers' Day. The interactive, educational event was presented by Freedom Road Socialist Organization Orlando, and included discussions led by rank-and-file union members from the public and private sector.

The four different presenters spoke about their firsthand experiences organizing union drives and strikes, fighting for decent contracts, resisting anti-union policies from the Florida legislature, and the ever-growing need for communist and militant union members to engage in class struggle unionism.

“The strike has always been the greatest weapon that the working class can wield against the greedy bosses,” said FRSO Orlando member and public high school teacher Edmund Anglero. “And throughout history, there are numerous instances of union workers wielding that power to win fair contracts. That is what we should be building toward today and is why FRSO members make our home in the organized working class.”

After a lively Q and A session, the educational portion of the event ended and was followed by a social for those in attendance to celebrate the holiday together.

#OrlandoFL #FL #Labor #ImmigrantRights #Labor #FRSO

Tampa FL- On Friday, May 1, two high schools in the Tampa Bay area participated in the national call put out by the Legalization for All Network to hold May Day walkouts in remembrance of the Day Without Immigrants mega protests held in 2006.The participating high schools were Middleton and Wharton. Both events were supported by Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society and the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee. The protests this year called for slogans such as “Ice out now!” and “Legalization for all!” in response to the Trump administration’s continued attacks on immigrant communities across the country.

At the Middleton walkout, two students participated and still drew attention from the high school administration. As said by ZJ Jeudy, a member of the Middleton’s Students for a Democratic Society, “I organized and participated in the walkout because to me, it’s important to not only speak up for what’s right, but to also demonstrate it even if you are the only one doing it.”

Later in the day at Wharton, high school students participated in a rally after school at the corner of the school premises.

“If you go back to the early 2000s or go back to the 70s, students coming out and protesting is a major part of the Vietnam War timeline, that kind of thing. That’s how you organize,” said Nicole Cochrin, a member of Wharton’s Students for a Democratic Society. “Even if the protest itself doesn’t really do much, it’s going to spark more protests. People are going to make more of a change instead of sitting idly hoping someone else does something for them.”

These actions were two of the many held across the country on May Day for the National Day of Action called by the Legalization for All Network and National Students for a Democratic Society.

#TampaFL #FL #StudentMovement #L4A #SDS #ImmigrantRights #Highschool #MayDay

Tallahassee FL, – On Monday, April 20, Tallahassee Students For A Democratic Society (SDS) held a teach-in to inform students and community members on how to combat repression. The event was a part of a coordinated National Day of Action, called in solidarity with Rick Toledo, an organizer at Cal Poly Humboldt who was charged with assault, battery and false imprisonment after a February building occupation protest, which called for the university to divest its funds from Israel’s ongoing genocide.

Among the many important aspects of fighting repression is ensuring that you are public-facing and continue to put public pressure on officials.

“Holding actions is the most important part. We need to show that we’re still fighting,” said Kaiden Rosa, the vice president of Tallahassee SDS, said, “And that’s why you’ll see us rally outside courthouses, oftentimes rallying if there's a university conduct case because we’re going to keep the pressure on.”

Tallahassee SDS is no stranger to political repression. Florida State University has continuously attempted to ignore and repress the organization, recently banning SDS from registration as a student organization for over two years due to “protesting after dark.”

Rosa explained the importance of solidarity and how cases like Rick Toledo's can have ramifications nationwide, stating, “He was suspended from his school and fired, and they’re just trying to turn it against him [and] make it so that the Palestine protests can be more easily silenced, if they can be silenced in one place, they can be silenced anywhere else.”

Attendees also learned more about the case of Alejandro Orellana, an organizer with Centro CSO from Los Angeles, arrested in the wake of the Los Angeles uprising against ICE oppression.

Orellana had his house raided and faced charges of conspiracy, along with aiding and abetting civil disorder, simply for handing out face-coverings to protestors.

During the LA uprising, the LAPD faced scrutiny for its violence against protesters, launching tear gas canisters at protesters and journalists, firing rubber bullets and riding horses over passersby.

A campaign was launched by organizations like Centro CSO to drop the charges against Orellana, and after intense public pressure and outcry, that is what happened.

The Repression Teach-in rang very true for attendees who witnessed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrest of Sadie Carlson at the recent No Kings Protest after marchers stepped into a closed and empty street as the sidewalk ended.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is solidarity,” Rosa said.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #StudentMovement #SDS #PoliticalRepression

Fight Back News Service and the Committee to Stop FBI Repression are circulating the following call to action from Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network.

On May 27, 2025, three organizers, including two Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network members, were unjustly arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) after being targeted during a city council meeting. Conor Cauley was violently attacked by JSO officers, and is facing up to 10 years in prison for felony charges of resisting arrest with violence and battery of a law enforcement officer. Activists Leah Grady and Dragon Belloit were also arrested.

Videos of the arrest clearly show that the only violence came from JSO officers. These are trumped-up, bogus charges. Sheriff T.K. Waters publicly stated he wants to make an example out of these activists in order to silence people who use their right to protest Jacksonville’s involvement in the genocide of Palestinians.

With one week to go before Conor’s trial, we need to be louder than ever to demand that these charges get dropped. Every single call helps!

Please call and email the office of State Attorney Melissa Nelson and Prosecutor Kelli Lynn Shobe at (904) 255-2500 – press 0 to reach the front desk and ask to leave a message for Nelson or Shobe.

You can email them at SAO4th@coj.net and kshobe@coj.net

Here is a sample script for calls or emails:

Hello, my name is [FIRST NAME, LAST NAME], and I am a resident of [CITY, STATE]. On May 27, 2025, three community members, Conor Cauley, Leah Grady, and Dragon Belloit, were arrested and brutalized during a city council meeting simply for speaking up against the genocide of Gaza. Thousands witnessed the viral video in which one member of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, Conor, was violently grabbed by the neck and flipped over a row of benches. Yet, the State Attorney’s Office has persisted in launching a campaign of clear political repression by targeting Conor with two felony charges. No jury of our peers would convict someone who JSO threw over a row of chairs and the State Attorney’s Ofice is wasting taxpayer time and money by refusing to drop these charges. I am calling to demand that sheriff T.K. Waters fire both the arresting officers, Maykel Aliaga-Ruiz and Donovan Davis, and that State Attorney Melissa Nelson drop all charges against Conor Cauley, Leah Grady, and Dragon Belloit immediately.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #CSFR #Featured

Tallahassee, FL – On Friday, April 10, Tallahassee SDS, along with Freedom Road Socialist Organization and FSU YDSA brought together over 40 people on FSU’s Landis Green to protest the Israel Fair, an event sponsored by pro-Israel groups across the campus to celebrate Israel as it carries out genocide against Palestinians.

The event took place two days after Israel conducted 100 airstrikes against Lebanon in ten minutes, killing hundreds.

“It is shameful that FSU is allowing an event on our campus in the name of a state that is built on colonization and genocide,” said Maria Duarte, a member of Tallahassee SDS who spoke at the protest. “Israel is a state that has been displacing and murdering Palestinians for over 70 years. A state that believes that bombing children and innocent civilians is ‘self-defense.’ It is disgusting how our university is whitewashing genocide while Palestinians continue to be murdered and displaced.”

The fair was created by various Zionist organizations, including Students Supporting Israel, Hasbara Fellowships, Hillel at FSU, Zionist Organization of America and the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis.

The protest began at 1 p.m. and was supposed to go until 2 p.m. but continued until around 3:45 p.m. Students chanted “Free Palestine” and made statements that showed solidarity with Palestine, condemned Israel, and ridiculed those involved with the fair.

Zionist counterprotesters responded with slurs and attempts to disrupt the rally, which the protesters ignored. As for the Israel Fair, it should have gone until 3:30 p.m., but it was closed down a little after 2:00 p.m. due to pressures from the protest – which would outnumber the attendees of the Israel Fair.

The speakers made a point to emphasize FSU’s support of Israel and, by extension, the genocide of Palestinians.

The speakers mentioned how the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering partners with Boeing. A close partner of Israel for 75 years, the company recently signed an $8.6 billion contract with the Pentagon to make 25 new F-15 Fighters for Israel. More recently, in March, Boeing signed another deal for $289 million to deliver 5000 air-launched smart bombs to Israel.

“Make no mistake, our campus is heavily complicit,” said one protester.

Before the Israel Fair, FSU power washed pro-Palestinian statements that were written in chalk on Landis Green. An anonymous affiliate of the fair’s organizers posted on YikYak, “this is what FSU thinks of your anti-fair chalk,” with a picture of the Landis Green walkways being power washed.

The “anti-fair chalk” included statements such as “72,000+ dead” (the number of Palestinians who have been killed thus far in the Gaza genocide), “One should not be killed for just being a Palestinian” and a list of names of children who were killed in Gaza and the West Bank by the Israeli occupation forces.

As FSU’s administration defends allowing of Zionist organizations on their campus, Israel continues to perpetuate its genocide of Palestinians. Tallahassee SDS deplores FSU’s hypocrisy in sanctioning hate groups on their campus while suppressing leftist student movements, and they remain in solidarity with Palestinians.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #StudentMovement #SDS #FRSO

Orlando, FL – El jueves, 26 de marzo, los Estudiantes Por una Sociedad Democrática de UFC con los Socialistas Democráticos Jóvenes de América organizaron una demostración de más de 40 en la que hicieron una marcha para el Salón Millican, el edificio administrativo de la Universidad de Florida Central.

Esta acción fue la cuarta concentración para exigir un fin al acuerdo 287 (g) a que el Presidente de la universidad Alexander Cartwright se reúna con los líderes estudiantiles para convertir a UFC en campus santuario.

Después de una acción de llamadas a la oficina del presidente, Adrienne Frame, uno de los “designados de comunicación entre estudiantes del presidente,” aceptó sentarse en una reunión entre la oficina y los EESD. Luego que los ESD enviaron sus horas preferidas de reunirse, la administración de UFC siguió ignorando a los estudiantes.

Al inicio de la concentración, Hazel Hazelwood, participante de ESD de UFC les explico a las multitudes, “Estamos entre más de 60,000 de los jóvenes más ambicioso del estado. Nos dicen que podemos alcanzar todo al que nos dedicamos, y no obstante Cartwright anticipa que nos quedemos callados mientras nuestros amigos viven con miedo.”

Desde delante de la Unión Estudiantil, los estudiantes marcharon al Salon Millican, mientras cantaban consignas como, “Atrévete a luchar, atrévete a ganar,” y “Sacate Cartwright!”

Los activistas estudiantes llevaron pancartas con frases como, “Campus santuario ahora” y “Fuera del Campus ICE, acaba con 287(g).” También había señales que representaron al Presidente de UFC Alexander Cartwright como “Dónde Está Wally” con la consigna proclamando “Dónde Está Cartwright” debido a su reputación de asistir a los eventos en campus con poca frecuencia.

Una vez que la concentración llegó al Salon Millican, Adrien Daugherty, otro miembro de los ESD de UFC, fue el primer en hablar, “Esto es nuestro campus. Pagamos para asistir. La administración de la UFC debe servirnos, no suplicar a cualquier administración federal que suba al poder. Somos sus constituyentes – y es una vergüenza que aún consideren la idea de dejar que ICE venga a secuestrar a uno de nosotros. Vergüenza!”

El hablador final fue Ken Pham de SDJA, quien decidió hablar de qué significa realmente la decisión de la administración de UFC a firmar el acuerdo de 287(g), proclamada, “Neutralidad en la cara de la represión estatal no es neutralidad. Es complicidad. El Presidente Cartwright y sus administradores han tomado su decisión. Ya son colaboradores.”

Después de corear consignas en el Salon Millican exigiendo que el Presidente de UFC Cartwright salga a hablar con los estudiantes, la manifestación marchó tras el campus para la Alameda Memoria y concluyó gritando “Creo que vamos a ganar.”

#OrlandoFL #FL #MovimientoEstudiantil #EESD #DerechosdelosInmigrantes #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS

Jacksonville, FL – On Wednesday, April 8, students at the University of North Florida gathered to protest Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, a vehement racist and xenophobe, who was allowed to speak on campus.

The protest was organized by Jacksonville Students for a Democratic Society and drew more than 20 students to picket the building where Fishback was giving his speech. Signs read “No racist governor” and “Fishback hates immigrants.”

During his campaign for Florida governor, Fishback has appealed to the emerging far right section of young voters. He has stated that he views all immigrants, documented and undocumented, as invaders. Recently, he also came under fire after a viral video showed him telling a Black man he should be lynched.

Students picketed the building for more than three hours, braving rain, cold weather and intimidation from police.

The demonstration drew much opposition from Fishback’s supporters, but some were swayed by the protest, admitting they didn't actually know Fishback’s stances beforehand.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #StudentMovement #SDS

Jacksonville, FL – On April 14, dozens of community members gathered on the steps of Jacksonville City Hall to demand the establishment of a permanent professional mental health team to respond to mental health crises, instead of police.

In 2025 the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was responsible for more than five killings while responding to mental health crises. Concerned community members and mothers of the victims of this police violence led by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee made their voices heard.

Protesters demanded the creation of permanent mental health emergency response team professionals, for officers on mental health calls to radio-confirm deescalation and non-lethal force only, and consequences for cops that use excessive force.

“Mental health episode should not be a death sentence,” said Amelia Moss in her speech representing the Jacksonville Community Action Committee.

After the rally, the group headed into the city council chambers to reiterate their demands in the meeting's public comment section.

During the comment section of the meeting, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee showed solidarity with sister organization Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network by demanding the trumped-up politically motivated charges on fellow organizers be dropped.

Despite attempts at intimidation by city council members and the police, the people made their voices heard.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #JCAC #PoliceAccountability #InjusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities

Jacksonville, FL – Dozens of people gathered on the steps of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Memorial Building Tuesday, April 7, marking one year since Charles Faggart was killed inside the Duval County Jail.

Faggart's family stood alongside the Jacksonville Community Action Committee (JCAC), demanding answers.

It's been a full year since Faggart, a 31-year-old food truck owner, was arrested on misdemeanor charges. His bond was set at $8500. On April 7, 2025, he was rushed from the jail to UF Health with critical injuries. The next day, Sheriff T.K. Waters held a news briefing about an injured inmate. On April 10, Faggart was declared brain dead.

Twelve months later, his family still doesn't know what actually happened to him.

No charges have been filed against any of the nine corrections officers involved. The FBI investigation Waters requested is still open, with no updates for the public. And JSO (the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office) keeps pointing to that “ongoing investigation” as the reason they won't release anything.

“We came here today because one year ago, my son was taken from us, and we still know nothing,” said Tracey Karpas, Faggart's mother.

Karpas has sued Sheriff Waters and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to force them to turn over records, including any video footage of what happened that day. That case is still pending.

The only real window into Faggart's death has come from his medical records.

Family attorneys obtained records from UF Health that tell a very different story than what JSO initially put out. Doctors who treated Faggart found:

-– No fentanyl in his system, contradicting the heavily redacted JSO report that claimed Faggart told officers he had done fentanyl.

-– No seizure, even though JSO listed a seizure as the reason for the medical emergency.

-– Taser barbs removed from his back. That detail never showed up in the redacted JSO report.

-– Multiple broken bones: nasal bone fractures, facial fractures, rib fractures.

-– Significant damage to his kidneys and liver.

-– Lung damage and signs of pepper spray exposure.

Amelia Moss, an organizer with JCAC, tied Faggart's case to the broader fight over a proposed $1 billion new jail. She argued that building a new facility won't fix the problems inside the current one; those problems will just move to a new building. The money, she said, would be better spent elsewhere in the community.

JCAC has pledged to keep standing with Faggart's family and friends until they get the answers they've been waiting for.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #CharlesFaggart #InjusticeSystem #JCAC

Jacksonville, FL – On April 4, the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) hosted a vigil with approximately 30 people in attendance, at Memorial Park. This vigil is in respect to and mourning for the individuals who have been killed at the hands of ICE, especially those who have been killed within the detention camps that are located throughout the U.S.

This comes after news that this year's detention center deathrates are the highest of the last 20 years. Hand in hand with the Legalization For All Network, JIRA highlighted some of the following deaths in particular: Ruben Ray Martinez, a Chicano who was shot by the Department of Homeland Security; Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Myanmar refugee who suffered abuse and neglect from Border Patrol; Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes, who died of medical neglect while within ICE custody, and Daphy Michel, a Haitian asylum seeker who died of medical complications after being detained by ICE.

“No man should have the power to make the decision of whether you belong based on legal status, let alone a city cop,” said a member of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance. This was said in direct reference to the way these death rates are exacerbated by the establishment of 287(g) agreements, which are legal programs in the U.S. that allow local law enforcement to act in place of ICE. This is something that JIRA says they're fighting to see removed entirely.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #ImmigrantRights #JIRA #ICE

Tampa, FL – On Tuesday, April 6, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a rally near the University of South Florida (USF) to demand “No ICE on campus” in response to USF and Department of Homeland Security signing onto a 287(g) agreement and the recent pause on H-1B visas passed by the Florida Board of Governors.

The 287(g) agreement allows USF police to train and act as ICE agents on USF campuses, putting international and immigrant students and faculty in direct harm’s way of racial profiling and being detained.

“A university is supposed to be a place of growth and safety, not a place where students feel watched and targeted by their own administrators, and most definitely not a place where their education could be interrupted by their own detention,” said Jayce Solis of Tampa Bay SDS in a speech demanding USF become a sanctuary campus immediately.

As protesters held signs with slogans like, “End 287(g)” and “No ICE on campus,” cars passed by honking in support.

The protest also demanded the reinstatement of H-1B visas, which universities commonly use to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields that require advanced knowledge and education. Universities frequently use H-1B visas to recruit professors, scientists, engineers and researchers from around the world.

During the rally, attendees chanted “We want justice, you say, how? Sanctuary campus now!” and “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportations!”

Tampa Bay SDS will continue to organize against this 287(g) agreement and the pause on H-1B visas.

#TampaFL #FL #StudentMovement #ImmigrantRights #SDS

Tampa, FL – On March 28, over 2000 people gathered for the Tampa No Kings protest. The protest was organized by the Tampa Coalition Against the Trump Agenda. It was one of more than 3000 rallies comprising more than eight million people who came out throughout the United States in opposition to Trump's racist reactionary agenda.

Protesters raised concerns about immigration and U.S. intervention, holding anti-war signs and pro-immigrant signs such as “ICE out now!” Protesters chanted “Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Ron DeSantis go away,” “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation” and “When immigrants are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” Many passing cars honked in support of the event.

Dave Gonzalez said, “I’m here to show my disagreement with the present government. This pedophile bombed girls at a school in Iran. At home there are also violations of human rights. We have a right to self-determination. What we do with our bodies cannot be ordered by anyone.”

Protester and activist Bianca Melendez stressed, “Because the world is on fire, I want to be able to educate and help influence as many people as possible. I am a member of TIRC-Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee and of a group chat on Palestine. There is a horrible genocide going on there and now in Lebanon and the Zionists are still in Syria.”

The event featured speakers from Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee, Tampa Democratic Socialist of America, Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Tampa Food Not Bombs, Voices of Florida, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, Florida House of Representatives member Michele Rayner, and Tampa Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

To the question “What brings you to the protest today?” Ben Taylor said, “My husband and I believe in democracy and the freedom to live by the Bill of Rights which gives us rights to protest, freedom of speech.”

Nico Baisley from the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee said, “The more he [Trump] threatens us, the stronger our movements become. His threats have united us against him, and we have everything to win in this fight.” Nico also spoke about the need to end 287(g) in Tampa and condemned Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's lack of support for the immigrant community in Tampa.

The Tampa Coalition Against the Trump Agenda consists of the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Tampa Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and the Hillsborough Young Democrats.

#TampaFL #FL #ImmigrantRights #PeoplesStruggles #TIRC

Orlando, FL – On Thursday, March 26, UCF Students for a Democratic Society alongside Young Democratic Socialists of America organized a protest of over 40 students to march on Millican Hall, the main administrative building for the University of Central Florida.

This action was UCF SDS’s fourth rally demanding an end to the 287(g) agreement and for the university President Alexander Cartwright to meet with student leaders to make UCF a sanctuary campus.

After a call-in to the president’s office, Adrienne Frame, one of the “president’s designees for student-facing outreach” agreed to hold a meeting between the president’s office and SDS. After SDS sent their preferred meeting times, UCF admin proceeded to ignore the students.

At the start of the rally, Hazel Hazelwood, a member of UCF SDS told the crowd, “We are standing among over 60,000 of the state’s most ambitious young people. We are told we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, and yet Cartwright expects us to stay silent while our friends live in fear.”

From the front of the Student Union, the students marched to Millican Hall, while chanting slogans such as “Dare to struggle, dare to win” and “Come out Cartwright.”

The student activists carried signs that read “Sanctuary campus now” and “ICE off campus, end 287(g).” There were also signs that depicted UCF President Alexander Cartwright as “Where’s Waldo” with the slogan saying “Where’s Cartwright” due to Alexander Cartwright’s reputation for rarely attending events on campus.

Once the rally reached Millican Hall, Adrien Daugherty, another member of UCF SDS, was first to speak, “This is our campus. We pay to come here. The UCF admin is meant to serve us, not appeal to whatever administration is in power. We are their constituents – it is shameful that they would even entertain the idea of letting ICE come in here and kidnap one of our own. Shame!”

The final speaker was Ken Pham from UCF YDSA, who chose to speak on what UCF admin’s choice to sign onto the 287(g) agreement really means, stating, “Neutrality in the face of state repression is not neutrality. It is complicity. President Cartwright and his administration have made their decision. They are now collaborators.”

After chanting at Millican Hall demanding UCF President Cartwright come out to talk with the students, the rally marched across campus to Memory Mall and concluded by chanting “I believe that we will win.”

#OrlandoFL #FL #StudentMovement #SDS #ImmigrantRights

Jacksonville, FL – Around 6000 people marched at the No Kings rally, joining millions protesting across the country.

Protesters started at Friendship Fountain, took the streets and marched across the Main Street Bridge before stopping at the Duval Courthouse for a rally. They chanted, “We want justice you say how? Hands off Iran now,” “When immigrant rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” Other chants included ones denouncing Trump along with calling for a free Palestine and Black lives matter.

Organized by a coalition of groups including 50501 NE FL, Indivisible Jax, Beaches Activists Movement, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, 50501 Vets Jax Chapter, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and others, this rally drew a large number of protestors united in opposing the Trump agenda.

Organizers vowed to have more mobilizations like this in the near future.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #NoKings #Trump #PeoplesStruggles #Iran #ImmigrantRights

Tallahassee, FL – On March 28, over 5000 people gathered at the Florida Capitol for the third No Kings protest to stand against Trump. Under the Tallahassee Coalition Against Trump banner, local organizations led the protest against Trump’s racist and reactionary agenda before taking to the streets and marching around the capitol. In addition to speaking out against Trump, those in attendance demanded an end to attacks on immigrants, police violence and the war on Iran.

Speakers connected to local issues like 287(g), an agreement allowing Florida law enforcement officers to act as immigration police and detain immigrants, while rally attendees held signs like “Immigrants are welcome here” and “ICE out now.” Four law enforcement departments signed 287(g) agreements even though they were not required to do so: Florida State University Police Department, Tallahassee State College Police Department, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Police Department and Tallahassee Police Department. The Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance (TIRA) has been attending city commission meetings in recent months to demand that the city rescind its 287(g) agreement between ICE and TPD.

Speaking for TIRA on why policies like 287(g) must be eliminated, Sara Millan said, “What nation are you keeping safe? What community are you possibly keeping safe that requires you to seize innocents in their jobs, in their schools, in their homes, and eliminate them like animals?”

Regina Joseph from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization told the crowd, “The United States uses our tax dollars to kill innocent people all around the world. Just last month, the U.S. bombed an all-girls school in Iran, killing over 180 children. So far, the United States has spent over $20 billion to wage war on Iran. We cannot stand by while lives are destroyed for profit and power.”

After the first set of speeches, organizers gathered the crowd to march around the capitol complex. Immediately, the march was disrupted by violent officers with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Along Pensacola Street near the capitol, where there is no sidewalk to march on, the marchers stepped onto the street, which was already closed to cars by police for the Springtime Tallahassee festival earlier in the day. Despite the road being entirely empty, FDLE officers swooped in and arrested head marshal Sadie Carlson for “obstructing a highway” and “resisting without violence.”

March attendees swarmed FDLE, shouting “Shame!” and “Let her go!” As protesters demanded her release, FDLE officers escorted Carlson into the Florida Capitol building. The protesters were not deterred and continued to demand Carlson’s freedom. Organizers and attendees immediately sprang into action, flooding the lines of the Leon County Detention Facility. Quickly after, the Tallahassee Coalition Against Trump called on attendees to mobilize outside the jail.

At the detention facility, more than 50 people began chanting “Free Sadie!” and “Protesting is not a crime!”

Speaking to the crowd, Delilah Pierre, president of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee, said, “The officers are lying when they say they can’t release her faster! They are lying about the charges! They are lying that she can’t have a lawyer! We’re going to stay here until Sadie is released, and we’re going to fight to get these made-up charges dropped!” Her words were proven true when, after less than four hours, Carlson was released thanks to the community rallying behind her.

Speaking on the mistreatment she faced and the absurdity of her arrest, Carlson, a transgender woman, said, “They didn’t get me any food. They groped my [breasts] and put me in the men’s facility. I think it’s crazy I got arrested today and Donald Trump, with all the crimes he’s committed, where is he? He’s killed innocent people in Iran and in Palestine, immigrants here. He’s a rapist, all of his buddies are rapists, and he’s not in jail!”

Carlson and TIRA will continue the fight to get her charges dropped and to end the 287(g) agreement. Stay connected by following @tlh_ira and @tallyagainsttrump as local organizers fight back against political repression.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #PeoplesStruggles #NoKings #TLHIRA #ImmigrantRights