Cold weather and spluttering snow aren’t a deterrent when you’re gripped by the overwhelming urge to make yourself heard.  

That was the sentiment of the small group that gathered at Whale Park in downtown Boothbay Harbor to participate in the nationwide “Free America” walkout at 2 p.m. Jan. 20, the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration.

Per the organizer’s website, the purpose of the protest was to show noncompliance with the “escalating fascist threat” posed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, National Guard deployments, and erosion of transgender rights, among other issues.  

“I'm just sick of not doing anything. I'm not taking action myself, and I just saw this as a great opportunity,” said Savannah Fields. She also shared her disappointment that there were not more local participants.  

In addition to the outlined causes, protestors highlighted the current administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, treatment of Greenland and other U.S allies, and the recent killing of U.S citizen Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minnesota.  

“We had immigration enforcement under other presidents, but it wasn't this performative, hostile and mean way about doing it,” said Sue Aleman. 

John Webster added, “It's a dangerous time ... If you're going to be quiet, you're complicit.” 

From Whale Park, the group walked Townsend Avenue and halfway across the footbridge, and were met with car honks from supportive passersby. An outside speaker from a downtown restaurant also played the anti-fascist Italian folk song “Bella ciao” twice as protestors approached.