From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 21, Indivisible Auburn-Opelika held a peaceful protest at Toomer’s Corner opposing Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and war. Almost 100 people gathered by the end of the protest.
Throughout the event, protesters chanted phrases such as “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state” and “Oink oink, piggy piggy, we don’t want you in our city.” Several people held up signs condemning ICE and the Trump administration's actions. Some drew chalk slogans that said “Minnesota strong” and “No ICE, no war.”
A protestor attending the ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, protest on Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Ala. writes messages in chalk as part of the protest on Jan. 21, 2026.
Nicole Carter, a steering committee member for Indivisible AO, said that the protest was motivated by ICE’s recent actions and “all of the harm that is coming to both undocumented folks and citizens in Minnesota.”
“We want to speak up, increase visibility of that and let folks know that we don’t want people harming our neighbors,” Carter said. “We want to see ICE abolished.”
According to Carter, Indivisible AO decided to also protest war due to recent tensions between the U.S. and other countries such as Greenland and Venezuela.
“Right now, I don’t think the American public supports us getting involved in any of those potential wars,” Carter said.
Carter decided to get involved due to her background as a pediatrician and a mother. She also believes that many of Trump administration’s priorities counter human needs like food and health.
“I can’t be silent right now,” Carter said.
As a pediatrician, Carter regularly treats the children of immigrants. Her experiences led her to start protesting ICE and the administration's policies.
“I also take care of a lot of families that are immigrant families,” she said. “I love taking care of those children, and I know that those families want the same things for their kids that I want for mine, so I’m also out here to protect my neighbors and protect my community.”
Two protestors hold signs that say "Be good, Abolish ICE" and "Ice belongs in sweet tea and Toomer's lemonade" at the protest against ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on Jan. 21, 2026 on Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Ala.
Many protesters heavily criticized the Trump administration’s actions, including retired educators Shelley Shields and Cindy Davino. As the daughter of a police officer, Shields had strong words for the administration’s use of ICE.
“I’m disgusted,” Shields said. “I’m disgusted with the way that this administration is using ICE as brownshirts and goons, dragging people out of their homes and acting like police when police are not trained to grab a car, stick their hands in and drag people out.”
The term "brownshirts" refers to members of the Sturmabteilung (SA), Adolf Hitler's paramilitary organization. They protected Nazi events, disrupted other parties' events and attacked opposing parties. Critics of ICE often compare the it to Nazi organizations like the SA and the Gestapo.
Davino said she was here because she believes it is important to be heard and seen, especially as someone in a relatively privileged position.
“There’s always something you can do,” Davino said. “Now, some people are not comfortable coming out and protesting or holding a sign, but you can make phone calls and talk to people. I think talking makes a big difference.”
Members of Indivisible Auburn Opelika come together to protest against ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with their signs at Toomer's Corner on Jan. 21, 2026.
Both women said that it was important to find a common denominator and come to an understanding with others.
“Actually, what’s going on with ICE right now seems to be a common denominator,” Shields said. “Even the MAGA people do not like it. Also, another common denominator is the fact that the administration is trying to block everything coming out about the Epstein Files, and that’s something the MAGA people really want out.”
Shields believes that this common ground will make a major difference in the upcoming elections.
“I agree on very little with anyone basically who voted for Trump, but those two things are big,” Shields said. “I think come midterms elections it’s going to be showing up.”
A protestor at the ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, protest on Jan. 21, 2026 at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Ala. holds a sign that says 'It's OK to change your mind!'.
Although a few passersby yelled insults at the protesters, the protest remained peaceful. The majority of interactions were positive, with several drivers and pedestrians honking or shouting in support of the protest.
Indivisible AO has held several protests since its inception last year, including Hands Off and No Kings protests. According to Carter, the organization is non-partisan and open to anyone.
Another No Kings protest is planned but there has been no announcement of the details at this time.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
