Support your local businesses

Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. DECORAH — More than 1,000 people gathered in downtown Decorah on Saturday as part of the nationwide "No Kings" March and Rally, a coordinated protest of what organizers described as threats to democratic institutions and the use of executive power. The local event, organized by Northeast Iowa Indivisible, was one of more than 1,800 rallies held across the country. Participants began the day at Mary Christopher Park before marching to the Winneshiek County Courthouse for a public rally featuring local speakers. "We need to march for our neighbors. We need to march for our immigrant brothers and sisters, documented or otherwise," organizer Cheryl Wieseler told the crowd. Speakers throughout the event shared personal stories and voiced concerns about immigration enforcement, the use of federal law enforcement, and the perceived weakening of constitutional checks and balances. "We are the strongest remaining guardrail," said Jeff Abbas, a longtime local activist, who expressed concern about a government he described as "out of balance." Gabriel Andreas referenced recent acts of political violence, including the killing of lawmakers in Minnesota. "Let the significance of our meeting on this day not be lost on us," he said. "This is about as bad as it has ever been. This is not the America I recognize." Held on Flag Day, traditionally a celebration of American ideals, the rally aimed to highlight what speakers described as a divergence from those values. Chants and songs echoed along the march route. Joshua Ratel-Khan, a local educator and organizer, invoked the 2008 Postville immigration raid in calling for local action. He urged support for a proposed "separation ordinance" that would limit the city's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. "We might not control federal policy in Decorah, but we can refuse to be part of the machine," he said. Ayla Boylen, another speaker, emphasized the importance of sustained civic engagement. "We do not defeat authoritarianism by holding signs for a few hours and then going home," she said. "You are as powerful as you allow yourself to be." The rally concluded with a call to action and a symbolic linking of arms on the courthouse lawn. "If we sit this moment out, we might not get another chance to forge a better tomorrow," said final speaker Steve McCargar. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.

Support your local businesses

'No Kings' Rally Draws Crowd to Downtown Decorah