Creativity and symbolic gestures have become pivotal in New York’s ongoing protests against ICE. The demonstrations, inspired by the tragic death of Minnesota mother Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE agent Jonathan Ross and the U.S. military actions in Venezuela, saw activists nationwide come together for the “No War, No Kings, No ICE” rallies. These events over the weekend featured powerful visual protest art, capturing widespread media attention.
On Sunday, January 11, the New York protest commenced with impassioned speeches at the iconic Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s golden equestrian statue of William Tecumseh Sherman, located at Grand Army Plaza at the intersection of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue. The demonstrators then marched past Trump Tower, making their presence known in the heart of Manhattan.
Led by a coalition of 11 activist groups, including the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA), the protest drew an impressive turnout, with Hands Off NYC estimating tens of thousands in attendance. This was just one of several significant demonstrations during President Donald Trump’s second term, which also included major protests on April 5, June 14, and October 18.
In response to urgent developments perceived as unlawful by the Trump administration, NYC-DSA swiftly organized this latest protest. The group held an “art build” session at their Chinatown office on Friday night, creating impactful signs and posters. “Art, messaging, visibility are crucial. We aim to be highly visible at these mass events, especially when covered by the media,” Grace Mausser, co-chair of NYC-DSA, explained. “Visuals are essential because images can carry messages where sound cannot.”
The activists designed striking grayscale posters of prominent figures such as Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillabrand, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries to lead the march. Additionally, protestors brandished unique signs, including ice cubes melting against white backgrounds and crowns behind red prohibition symbols, crafted by Brooklyn artist Julie Peppito.
While Peppito missed the latest march due to a speaking engagement about activism and art in Tulsa, she has collaborated with Invisible Brooklyn volunteers to create elaborate artworks for previous protests. These notable creations include a large, articulated bald eagle sculpture and a towering 12-foot Statue of Liberty torch bearing the message “Liberty Not Tyranny.”
This vibrant protest highlights the role of art in political movements, making clear demands, such as invoking the War Powers Resolution to limit ICE’s reach. As these artistic demonstrations continue, they not only convey strong messages but also foster widespread participation and engagement in the fight against perceived injustices.
