Nearly 1,000 community members gathered at the Hamilton Village Green for the “No Kings III” National Day of Resistance on Saturday, March 28. The demonstration centered on civic engagement, nonviolence and political expression, with its central concerns being the current Trump administration’s immigration policy and foreign affairs.
Despite snowy conditions and freezing temperatures, residents from Madison County, N.Y. and surrounding areas assembled on the Hamilton Village Green from 2 to 3 p.m. Protesters lined the sidewalks facing Broad Street, holding signs with messages of political resistance and encouraging passing drivers to honk in support. Organizers provided materials for sign-making, and some participants brought or reused signs from previous demonstrations. The event brought together a large number of residents as well as students and faculty from Colgate University.
The demonstration was part of a broader national effort emphasizing democratic participation and the enduring principle that political power resides with the people. Participants gathered to express shared concerns, listen to speakers and engage in community action while maintaining a stated commitment to nonviolence.
Congressman John Mannion appeared as a surprise speaker and addressed the crowd, emphasizing unity and the fundamental role of governmental institutions during periods of political tension.
“Co-equal branches of government are going to stand strong together,” Mannion said. “We are under an assault from within. But we shall persevere. We will persevere.”
Mannion also spoke about the importance of civic engagement and public participation, citing his interactions with constituents in various settings.
“Every single day, whether I am in a grocery store, a village green or a parade, they tell me that even though they never voted for me, that they are glad that I am calling out the truth,” Mannion said. “That I am calling out the distractions, the real threat, and [telling] what we can all do.”
Mannion concluded by pointing to the demonstration as an example of collective action and shared purpose.
“These actions, like what we see here today of unity, strength, support. What we have in this country has us on the right side of history. We are going to win this. We are going to get through it. And all we are doing is telling the truth.”
Colgate Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies Emerita Ellen Percy Kraly, who taught population and environmental studies for 40 years, also spoke at the event. Drawing on her research in international migration at both the local level in Utica, N.Y. and the global level, Kraly connected contemporary policy debates to broader historical and national narratives.
“Refugees remind us — or should remind us — of the origin story of the United States, of who we are as a country, out of many, one, e pluribus unum,” Kraly said.
Kraly contrasted these ideals with current political developments and emphasized the importance of aligning policy with national values.
“The actions of the current president, and those standing in front and in back of him, are a far cry from recognizing our national values and traditions to receive persons who are, as Emma Lazarus wrote, ‘tempest-tossed’ and ‘yearning to breathe free,’” Kraly said.
Kraly concluded by encouraging continued civic engagement and public dialogue.
“Going forward, let us continue — with ever more determination and energy, to talk and listen, to act and to protect our principles of law and principled governance.”
Colgate first-year Parker Niederhauser attended the protest with a group of peers and shared his perspective on current events and his reasoning for attending the rally. He said that a key motivation for attending was to voice concerns about the present administration’s immigration policy.
“Everything in the news about [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and the things that they’ve been doing to people, whether they’re citizens or not, it’s completely abhorrent and just a violation of human rights,” Niederhauser said.
In addition to the speeches, the event featured performances by the Hamilton Singing Resistance, which sang songs focused on unity, hope and collective action.
Community members also contributed to a local food pantry effort, donating boxes of non-perishable food, hygiene and menstrual products, along with $550 in cash contributions.
Many attendees lingered after the formal program ended, reflecting the sense of community and shared purpose that defined the afternoon. Organizers and participants framed the demonstration not as a singular moment, but as part of an ongoing effort to advocate for continued civic engagement, public dialogue and collective action in response to current political changes.
