Donald Trump has issued 75 executive orders and counting, focussed on DEI, Immigration and funding.
By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief
Hundreds of people around the country are using their voice to fight against the Trump administration's recent policies regarding DEI funding and immigration through street demonstrations, walkouts, and product boycotts.
Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, Trump has signed over 70 executive orders, primarily targeting increased border security and reducing what he has labeled “useless” and “wasteful” expenses. In the weeks that followed, protests and demonstrations have surged across the country, and entire world, reflecting widespread opposition to the administration’s actions.
“I guess there's a lot of hispanics where I live so I've seen a lot of protests especially against ICE,” said Giselle Reyes, a child development major. “I feel like it's a good time to come together and speak up for what we believe is right.”
Some of Trump’s executive orders on immigration and border security include ending the “catch-and-release” program, requiring asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico, resuming border wall construction, and redefining birthright citizenship. Since taking office, his administration has planned mass deportations and large-scale ICE operations in cities like Los Angeles, with federal agents deporting over 37,000 people.
On Feb. 3, thousands of anti-ICE Angelenos marched from Olivara street to City Hall blocking the 101 freeway, dawning Mexican and Central American flags.
Undocumented individuals make up 27 percent of the U.S. population, with over 9 million at serious risk of deportation. In California alone, an estimated 2 million undocumented immigrants reside. On February 3, the nationwide movement “A Day Without Immigrants” took place, urging both documented and undocumented immigrants to withdraw from economic activities, including work and school. In California, many students participated in walkouts, with Los Angeles Unified reporting a 34 percent absentee rate.
“We are the future of this country. What would the US say, what would America do without Immigrants?” said Valley Student Sambrano Pinto. “I just want to say that even if we can see the dark right now, we're going to see the light in the future. How? We don't know, but we've got to keep positive.”
Another major point of contention in the nation is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” placing all federal DEI staff on paid leave with plans for eventual layoffs. This order aims to dismantle programs designed to remove barriers and expand access to education and employment for marginalized communities.
Major companies and CEOs, including Target, Amazon, and McDonald’s, have scaled back or distanced themselves from DEI initiatives following Trump’s order. In response, many consumers have organized boycotts against companies that rolled back DEI policies while supporting businesses like Costco and Ben & Jerry’s, which have opposed the administration’s stance.
On Presidents' Day, protests under the banners “Not My President’s Day” and “No Kings Day” swept across the nation. From Alaska to Florida, demonstrators rallied against both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who was appointed to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with slashing federal spending. Critics argue that the department consolidates power in the hands of the wealthy, further fueling tensions and protests against the administration.
On Tuesday, Trump threatened to cut federal funding for any college that permits what he called “illegal” protests, warning demonstrators on social media of potential deportation, expulsion, and arrest. Despite this, protests continue, with groups like Indivisible planning demonstrations every Monday throughout March.
“They (protestors) are trying to make a change, this is all they can do to make their voice heard,” said Victoria Tellez, Kinesiology major.
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