Myrtle Beach Latinos gather to protest Trump’s immigration policies, show solidarity
A group of around 50 Latinos stood on the corner of 9th Avenue North and North Kings Highway to show the community impacted by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
The group held up Mexican and Honduran flags as well as signs that said “Don’t take the hand that feeds you” and “I’m speaking for those who can’t.” As cars drove by, they honked in agreement as passengers held out their own flags representing various Latin American countries.
People started showing up in the afternoon and finished around 6:15 p.m. Gen Z made up a large portion of the protest, with high school students and other young adults gathering together. Many came to represent their families, they said.
When asked why they came out, protesters gave various answers that carried a central theme: fear.
“I’ve seen a lot of people are scared when they graduate, their parents aren’t going to be there,” said 17-year-old Jesus Espinoza.
People are afraid to lose their friends and family to deportation.
Jeniffer Palma said she’s worried she’ll lose her residency in the United States. Originally from Honduras, she’s been in the country for 31 years under Temporary Protected Status.
TPS allows people who cannot return to their home countries to legally stay. Trump’s administration has cut protections for Venezuelans using TPS and Palma is afraid Honduras could be next.
“I stand out here in solidarity, not only with my undocumented family of Myrtle Beach, but also for people like me who are legally here that are at risk of being deported,” Palma said.
Palma and Espinoza said they’re also showing up for people who can’t because they’re undocumented.
Protesters wanted to show the community impacted by Trump’s immigration policies.
“We’re a huge hospitality and tourism city, and these are the people that are cleaning hotels, making sure that, you know, lawn care is taken care of, building your houses,” Palma said.
Alma Lopez, 20, is frustrated when she hears people say all immigrants are criminals or stealing jobs.
“But what they don’t realize is most people really do just come here to provide for their families,” Lopez said. “They want to be safe over here and have a better life.”
This story was originally published February 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM.
