Immigration activist Greisa Martinez Rosas boldly declared her undocumented status at a massive anti-Trump rally, triggering both support and calls for her deportation.
At a Glance
- Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream, publicly announced being “undocumented, unafraid, queer, and unashamed” at a Washington DC rally
- Her declaration went viral, sparking online backlash and suggestions she would become a target for Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- As a DACA recipient from Mexico who grew up in Dallas, Rosas has been an immigration activist for over a decade
- The “Hands Off!” rally was part of over 1,000 nationwide protests organized by more than 150 groups opposing Trump administration policies
A Public Declaration With Serious Consequences
Immigration activist Greisa Martinez Rosas made headlines when she took the stage at Washington DC’s “Hands Off!” rally and publicly declared her immigration status. “I am an immigrant. I am undocumented, unafraid, queer, and unashamed,” Rosas announced to a crowd of over 10,000 protesters. As executive director of United We Dream, a pro-immigration organization with more than 400,000 members, Rosas has become a prominent voice in the immigration reform movement. Her declaration quickly spread across social media, drawing both support from fellow activists and harsh criticism from those calling for her deportation.
Critics suggested that Rosas’ public statement would make her a target for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has increased enforcement operations under the current administration. Reports indicate ICE has been actively deporting students and protesters, emphasizing that even immigrants on visas are not immune from removal. In Trump’s first 50 days in office, ICE reported 32,809 arrests, with nearly half involving individuals with criminal convictions. Despite these risks, Rosas chose to speak openly about her status as part of her advocacy work.
A Lifetime of Advocacy Born From Personal Experience
Originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, Rosas grew up in Dallas after her family migrated to the United States. Her journey into activism began with personal tragedy when her father was deported and later died. This experience, coupled with the death of her mother in 2018, has fueled her dedication to immigration reform. For over a decade, Rosas has organized demonstrations, led student walkouts, and advocated for policies protecting immigrant communities. Her personal story exemplifies the complex human realities behind America’s immigration debate.
As a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Rosas has certain temporary protections, including renewable work authorization. However, DACA offers no pathway to citizenship, leaving recipients in a precarious legal position. This limitation highlights the incomplete nature of current immigration policies, with millions of undocumented individuals living in legal limbo despite deep ties to American communities. Bipartisan support exists for deporting undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes, but consensus breaks down regarding the broader undocumented population.
Part of a Larger Movement
The Washington DC rally where Rosas spoke was part of nationwide “Hands Off!” protests organized by over 150 groups against Trump and Elon Musk’s policies. Similar demonstrations occurred in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other major cities. Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin joined the Washington protest, criticizing the president for economic policies allegedly harming both the broader economy and personal finances. Particular focus was placed on the new “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have affected global markets and become a flashpoint for economic debate.
Rosas’ public stance represents both personal risk and strategic activism in a deeply polarized political climate. As executive director of one of the nation’s largest immigrant-led organizations, her decision to publicly declare her undocumented status reflects both vulnerability and strength. The controversy surrounding her statement underscores the tensions and divisions that continue to define America’s immigration debate, where personal stories and policy disputes intersect in increasingly public ways.
