Special to IFN

Indivisible Citizens of Catawba Valley (ICCV) held a gathering in front of Congressman Pat Harrigan’s office in Hickory on Saturday afternoon to show support for the rule of law and due process.

About 600 people from Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Wilkes counties peacefully protested the recent actions of the Trump administration.

“People are being deported, losing their jobs and livelihoods; children are dying from disease; economic policies are being made, unmade, and then changed, and we’re only three months into this administration,” said ICCV Chair Deb Johnson. “It is no exaggeration to say our country is in a Constitutional crisis and we are here to say, again, loudly and forcefully, ‘This cannot stand.’ ”

Several residents spoke publicly about how actions by the Trump administration have affected their lives.

Mental health professional Deedge Cervantes submitted a letter that was read aloud.

“The constant threat of ICE raids, family separations, and xenophobic rhetor has left deep psychological scars on families who have contributed to this country for decades,” Cervantes wrote. “These policies have cultivated a political climate built on fear and division – where cruelty is policy, and compassion is seen as weakness. That is not the America we aspire to be.”

Local furniture executive Mitchell Gold spoke about the challenges of running a business in the current political environment.

“In business, the ability to plan is key,” Gold said. “In this environment, it’s impossible to plan.” 

ICCV is a non-partisan grassroots organization. Its mission is to peacefully rebuild democracy and defeat the Project 2025 agenda.

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