Thousands of participants turned out for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade in Washington, D.C., on Monday, blending celebration of Dr. King’s legacy with pointed political protest against the Trump administration’s policies, particularly immigration enforcement by ICE.

The march, which proceeded down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast, adopted a more urgent and activist tone this year compared to recent parades. Participants carried signs condemning federal immigration actions, with one prominent message reading: “I.C.E. GOONS ARE THE TERRORIST OF AMERIKKKA.” Marchers danced, chanted, and rallied in front of murals honoring Dr. King, emphasizing calls for social justice amid what organizers described as ongoing civil rights challenges.

Lu Burgos, a Silver Spring resident and D.C. hotel worker who had not attended the event in recent years, made a point to join the sidelines with his sign. He and others voiced concerns over what they see as abuses by the Trump administration, including aggressive ICE operations that have drawn widespread criticism.

The parade’s shift toward activism reflects broader community sentiment that events like the MLK Day march remain essential for promoting unity and resistance in the face of perceived setbacks in civil rights and social justice. Commenters on the coverage highlighted the importance of such gatherings for raising awareness and fostering solidarity.

The event comes amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement, including recent federal operations in cities like Minneapolis that have sparked protests and allegations of overreach.

Sources: The Washington Post, eyewitness accounts from the parade, and related coverage.