An American Protest In Paris
Paris can feel like it's own bubble to new arrivals and the foreigner abroad. France is a whole new country to explore for the majority of students studying abroad, and can make issues from one's country of nationality slip into the back of the mind. For American ex-pats, and for the world's majority the recent actions of the United States government are hard to ignore. On January 28th, 2025, La Digue and Indivisible Paris came together to organize an anti-ICE protest in response to recent events and decisions made by the Trump administration
Indivisible is an American volunteer led nonprofit organization dedicated to the mobilization of the citizens against the current administration through grassroots efforts. The Paris branch of Indivisible came together for this protest with La Digue; a leftist political coalition made to combat the right wing fringe groups in French politics.
These two groups have historically organized events and protests in response to American actions domestically and abroad, but they have been incited more so than usual due to recent events.
Recent events
Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, many felt unease in the international community. Border control and immigration crackdowns were a campaign promise for Trump, leading to increasing ICE presence in America.
ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was formed as a part of Homeland Security after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. In the present day, ICE is undertaking mass deportations as well as sweeping investigations and searches for undocumented immigrants.
It was not even a month into 2026 before two fatal ICE altercations occurred, according to several U.S. media reports. The first was the early January shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and resident of Minnesota. Then, later that same month, the shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti were both linked to ICE enforcement actions.
These two incidents have caused uproar in the United States and elsewhere, spurring reactions from Main Street, Minnesota, to the steps of the Assemblée Nationale on the Quai d’Orsay.
Protesters / Image credit: Sydney Valenzuela
Why are there Parisian protests about issues 7,000 kilometers away?
Hundreds of protesters came to show support for the abolition of ICE and their opposition to the current administration, many being Americans abroad as well as concerned French citizens. The event featured speakers from La Digue, including speeches in English and French, as well as translators. The event was very inclusive of all nationalities but mostly geared toward the French- and English-speaking world, with signs in both languages. The issues of America seem to be the concern of the whole, not just a part, as the solidarity between people was attested to.
When asked about the purpose of her attendance at the event, Clara, a French woman of Hispanic origin, left this comment: “It’s to feel that we are together with those Americans that support us. It really warms my heart to see that even in France there are American people who care, who want to stand together.”
This sense of identification with the American people is a strong sentiment among this group. A French high schooler, who only wished to be referred to as “V,” shared why he finds it so important. “Because we are in danger too, it’s important to be here. It’s our way to show support.”
This was not the only sentiment of unity. Many see the events that take place in America as precursors of what is to come. In the same vein of togetherness, many view the world of politics to be an interweaving ecosystem rather than separate national spheres. V expanded on his initial comment on the need for shared support, as it is also a communal danger. “America is the number one power in the world, and if they turn out to be fascist it can […] influence and allow them to give power to far-right governments anywhere, even France.”
“What happens in Minnesota, even if it’s from the other side of the ocean, can affect us here — our everyday life in France.”
The comment above, also made by V, gives words to what motivated many to come out to show support for an issue that is so far away. In reality, the actions of the United States are not in a vacuum. The idea that the ripples of the White House could be felt in Europe is a problem for many. Americans are concerned about disorder at home, but Europe is worried about the broader implications that such a powerful political actor’s actions can have on the global stage. The mutual support between peoples is seen as necessary to keep global citizens’ voices heard.
Natasha Esponda, a member of the New York and Connecticut bar, is a member of the organizing committee of Indivisible Paris. She gives speeches for the organization, advocates, and helps set up events such as this one. Even though she was not a speaker on this night, she did have words for the public. “Organizing something like this in Paris is to show there is resistance. There is resistance among Americans abroad. […] It’s this idea that human rights are fundamentally being violated everywhere, and we have to band together to resist.”
Pouria Amirshahi and Danielle Simonnet / Image credit: Sydney Valenzuela
Transcending borders
The inner machinations of United States politics and policy are not only a concern for those who are directly under its jurisdiction. The United States of America can incite and instigate changes all around the world. This is not a new phenomenon. As Esponda stated, this pattern can be seen throughout history. “You can look at this through history. America and France have been very connected. The American Revolution was funded by the French. The French were instrumental in fighting for the Americans, and that set off their own revolution. Revolutions don’t happen in a vacuum.”
Interest in American politics is not new. When a country as influential as the United States experiences such resistance and polarization between the people and the state, it is prudent for other countries to take notice. A French protest for an American issue is a way of letting the United States know that the world is watching.
