Press Releases
Media contact: press@mass50501.org
Mobilization in Solidarity with Union Leaders
Mass 50501 vigorously condemns the violent actions of ICE and the Trump administration against peaceful protestors in Los Angeles and is mobilizing in solidarity with local union leaders here in Massachusetts.
A rally is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2-3pm at Boston City Hall, Circle Plaza (aka Neighborhood Circle Plaza), Boston.
Mass 50501 Calls for Mobilization in Solidarity with Union Leaders in Response to ICE Raids and National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
BOSTON, MA, June 8, 2025 — Mass 50501 vigorously condemns the violent actions of ICE and the Trump administration against peaceful protestors in Los Angeles and is mobilizing in solidarity with local union leaders here in Massachusetts.
A rally is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2-3pm at Boston City Hall, Circle Plaza (aka Neighborhood Circle Plaza), Boston.
On June 6, aggressive ICE raids swept through Los Angeles, detaining at least 44 people—many with deep ties to their neighborhoods, schools, and places of work. Protests erupted across the city, as outraged residents took to the streets. At a protest outside the LA ICE detention center, SEIU-USWW President David Huerta, who was observing and documenting ICE activities, was attacked and injured by federal agents who then arrested him.
“This is an attack on American liberty,” said Mass 50501 Council member Kylie Bemis. “The right to freedom of speech and due process of the law must be protected above all else, and the response by the Trump administration is tantamount to a declaration of war against the American people. Make no mistake—we will be peaceful, but we will not be quiet. They will hear us from Los Angeles. They will hear us from Washington, DC. Mass 50501 will stand in solidarity with SEIU.”
Mass 50501 is calling for the release of all Los Angeles protestors, including SEIU President David Huerta.
Representing hundreds of thousands of workers across the state, SEIU issued a statement condemning the federal government’s actions as “a coordinated attack on democracy, labor, and immigrant justice.” Later that day SEIU, CHIRLA, 50501 SoCal, Union del Barrio and more gathered together to protest not only the ICE raids but also the brutalization of a union leader.
Federal agents have responded with massively disproportionate force and violence, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets against legal observers and journalists in addition to protestors. President Trump has now deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles against Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has furthermore threatened to mobilize active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton in response to continued protests.
About Mass 50501
Mass 50501 is a cross-partisan group that strives to unite the people of Massachusetts to defend our rights, liberties, and democracy, to uphold the constitutional rule of law, and to stand against tyranny in all its forms. To stay updated, visit https://www.mass50501.org/join-us
No Kings on D-Day
Mass 50501 to host “No Kings on D-Day” event on June 6th in Boston to honor veterans, protest the tyranny of a would-be king, and to honor the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who fought and died for the democracy we must continue to protect.
Mass 50501 to host “No Kings on D-Day” Event on June 6 in Boston to Honor Veterans
What: An event to recognize our heroes in uniform, past and present. All patriotic people of Massachusetts are invited to assemble on Boston Common with veterans to protest the tyranny of a would-be king and to honor the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who fought and died for the democracy we must continue to protect. This will be both a protest and a solemn event of remembrance, including veteran speakers, a wreath laying ceremony and patriotic music. Flags are welcome, but please leave protest signs at home. This event is one of many D-Day Anniversary events being held nationwide, organized by 50501 Veterans.
When: June 6th, 2025—the Anniversary of D-Day—from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common.
Current confirmed speakers:
Brigadier General Shawn Harris, U.S. Army (Ret.), Congressional Candidate, Georgia
Brigadier General Paul G. Smith, Massachusetts National Guard (Ret.), Professor, Nichols College
Lieutenant Colonel John Paradis, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Vote Vets; Common Defense
Sergeant Henry DeLima (Ret.), Political Coordinator, 1199SEIU Massachusetts
Sergeant First Class John Moses, U.S. Army (Ret.), Massachusetts Afghan Alliance; Hoover Fellow
Tom Krpata, U.S. Navy Veteran, IT Professional, Entrepreneur
Riki Flagg, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Historic Worcester military family
Neil Gordon, U.S. Navy (Vietnam Vet), Small Business Owner, Brookline City Councilmen
Sergeant Bryan C. Winter, U.S. Army (Ret.), Program Director, 50501; Veterans Representative
Why: Throughout American history, the patriots of our armed services have risen to defend democracy and freedom during extraordinary crises. American patriots now face the crisis of our time: a traitor in the White House. The current President of the United States has brought dishonor to America, has disrespected and abused the veterans who swore an oath to defend the Constitution, has violated his own oath of office, has allied himself with cruel dictators, has acted at every opportunity as an undemocratic tyrant, and is therefore unfit to be the president of a free people. It’s time to reaffirm our support for our allies, and recommit ourselves to the principles that have governed the nation and its military for centuries. We will remind the people that veterans and active duty military personnel are sworn to protect the nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This administration does not honor veterans but we will.
Who: The “No Kings on D-Day” event is organized by Mass 50501, a cross-partisan group that strives to unite the people of Massachusetts to defend our rights, liberties, and democracy, to uphold the constitutional rule of law, and to stand against tyranny in all its forms. To stay updated, visit https://www.mass50501.org/join-us
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401
Boston “Hands Off!” Rally and March on April 5th
On April 5, Senator Markey and advocacy leaders will join thousands protesting the Trump/Musk assault on democracy.
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025: The march starts at 11 am ET; the speaking program starts at 12:30 pm ET.
Where: The march begins at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, and ends with a rally and speaking program at City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square.
What: On April 5, national and local organizations are coming together across the country for Hands Off! a peaceful mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. This is an all-in moment for the pro-worker, pro-constitutional rule of law, and pro-democracy movements.
In Boston, Senator Ed Markey, along with Jessica Tang, President AFT-MA, Carol Rose, President ACLU-MA, and Chastity Bowick, Founder of Trans Resistance will join thousands of concerned citizens from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More speakers will be announced in the coming days.
According to the organizers of Boston’s Hands Off!:
“On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will march in Boston. Because we will always be a sanctuary against tyranny. Because we will protect our neighbors, no matter where they were born or their race or gender or sexuality. Because we will never bow to tyrant kings or fascism. Because in the words of Boston’s mayor: “If you come for one of us, you will get all of us.” On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will come together to tell the corrupt, cruel, chaotic tyrants in DC: Hands Off Boston! Hands Off Massachusetts! Because ‘We the People’ means everyone, and Massachusetts is fighting back.”
Who: Boston’s Hands Off! is organized by the Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass 50501, Swing Blue Alliance, and UU Mass Action, and a growing list of co-sponsor organizations representing many groups, causes, and communities from across the Commonwealth.
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401