Photography: Good Trouble Lives On, Foley Square, NYC 7/17/25

Photography: Good Trouble Lives On, Foley Square, NYC 7/17/25

Protest organizers wanted to celebrate Congressman John Lewis’ life and actions in a way that he would approve with a peaceful protest. While protests earlier this year were against Donald Trump, Elon Musk, DOGE and federal funding cuts, this one focused on immigration — specifically ICE, who have been inflicting terror on immigrant communities across the country. 

Protestors called attention to the plight of their neighbors, friends, coworkers and loved ones, who got caught up in ICE raids. 

Organizers asked those, who had signs, photos and flowers to move them to a barrier that faced 26 Federal Plaza. The photos reminded me of the missing posters folks posted across town in the aftermath of September 11th. At the West 4th Street station, the photos went from the east side of the entrance to the west side. The posters always had an urgent, desperate tone that would feel like a punch in the soul. I saw photos of men and women my age; of a few who reminded me of neighbors; of people I’d come across in Queens, the world’s borough. So, here I am at Federal Plaza doing everything I can to not burst into tears. The cruelty of all of this is overwhelming. I know a few folks who have been going to the courthouse to document what’s going on. I don’t know if I can manage that right now. . . .

It remains a deep, profound honor and privilege to document as much of this as possible while a free press remains.