Passionate voices filled the air outside the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City, where hundreds gathered for the ‘50501 Movement’ rally, a nation-spanning protest against the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
The ‘50501 Movement’ emerged from a digital campaign aiming to organize “50 Protests – 50 States – 1 Day,” calling citizens to stand against recent Trump administration policies and Project 2025.
Leading the charge, Irene Mendoza from Fernley fervently streamed the event live, chanting and rallying the crowd. Her presence at the protest was driven by the issue of nationwide deportations affecting her family.
“I’m a Chicana,” Mendoza exclaimed. “My family’s been here for about five generations on both sides. And I have a step grandpa who is affected heavily by this.”
Mendoza shared that mass deportations have also impacted other family members, and her experiences of discrimination have been threatening.
“We ran off roads, told that we were nothing but good for nothing spics. And this is happening in Nevada,” she recounted. “We need to stop fascism, we need to stop racism [in] this generation or else it’s going to follow us.”
The protest, initially small, grew to occupy both sides of South Carson Street. Despite gusty winds, participants held firm, brandishing signs and banners. Notably, many signs criticized Elon Musk, with chants of “Deport Musk” echoing through the gathering.
As state legislators conducted their duties inside, no lawmakers were present at the rally outside.
Captain Powrie, another voice from Fernley, emphasized the need for political figures to protect minority communities.
“I know we’re usually a pretty swing state during voting and we did end up going the other way this year,” Powrie remarked. “But I do really feel like letting the smaller voices speak and protecting our minorities.”
