Protests against Executive Order 13769
| Industry | Political activism, social movement |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 28, 2017 |
Area served | United States, international airports worldwide |
Key people | Protesters, advocacy organizations (e.g., New York Immigration Coalition, Make the Road New York, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), political figures (e.g., Nydia Velázquez, Jerrold Nadler, John Lewis, Stacey Abrams) |
In late January and early February 2017, thousands rallied at airports throughout the United States and worldwide in opposition to Executive Order 13769, commonly referred to as the “Muslim ban.” This directive, enacted by the Trump administration, aimed to limit entry for refugees and travelers from seven nations identified as security risks. Over two thousand individuals assembled at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York City, with parallel demonstrations occurring at major airports across the U.S. and internationally. These gatherings continued daily until February 6, even after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking portions of the travel restrictions.
Background
On January 27, President Trump signed an executive directive halting all refugee admissions to the U.S. for 120 days and indefinitely suspending Syrian refugee entries. The order also prohibited citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, impacting even green card holders from those nations.
By January 28, around 27 passengers arriving at U.S. airports were either detained or denied entry; this number grew to roughly 375 travelers by January 29. At JFK airport, two Iraqi detainees were released while eleven remained in custody; later that day, two detainees still remained, including Hameed Jhalid Darweesh, an Iraqi interpreter for the United States Army, who was held for twelve hours without legal representation. Additionally, two elderly Iranian green card holders were detained for several hours at Washington Dulles International Airport. President Trump communicated on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) that Christian refugees would be prioritized for refugee status in the United States.
Protests
The protests originated at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport and quickly spread to airports nationwide such as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Seattle's SeaTac Airport, and others in cities including Indianapolis, Boston, Denver, Albuquerque, Hartford, Newark, Albany, New York, and San Diego. Additional demonstrations were organized in locations like Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Greenville, and Philadelphia.
Social media platforms played a key role in mobilizing participants.
Throughout February, protests and employee walkouts persisted. On February 2, over 1,200 employees of Comcast in Portland, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Sunnyvale conducted walkouts opposing the executive order.
International protests also occurred on February 4 across Europe and parts of Asia.
New York City
The demonstration commenced on January 28 with approximately thirty individuals gathering near 11 a.m. EST at Terminal 4 of JFK Airport, where international flights arrive. Advocacy organizations such as the New York Immigration Coalition helped expand attendance through social media outreach. Protesters voiced opposition to Trump's executive order while showing support for refugees and immigrants. By sunset, the crowd had grown into the terminal’s parking structure, chanting slogans and displaying signs referring to the order as a "Muslim ban." State legislators including Nydia Velázquez and Jerrold Nadler attended to offer support to affected constituents.
Simultaneous protests took place in Staten Island’s Port Richmond and Battery Park, where thousands joined Chelsea Clinton in demonstrating. The protests at JFK continued into Sunday.
Organizations involved included Make the Road New York, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), members of the Black Latino Asian Caucus, and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), which criticized the timing of the order on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The New York Taxi Workers Alliance suspended JFK pickups between 6 and 7 p.m., leading to increased Uber fares due to surge pricing algorithms. Law enforcement restricted AirTrain JFK access exclusively to ticketed passengers until Governor Andrew Cuomo intervened to reopen it after 8 p.m.
Late on January 28, Federal District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn issued a ruling blocking portions of the executive order, providing relief to stranded travelers. Similar judicial decisions followed in Seattle and Virginia courts. This emergency injunction permitted visa holders to remain in the country; however, legal advocates cautioned that detainees might still be relocated elsewhere. Legal Aid attorneys encountered challenges accessing clients at JFK late that night. Two detained Iraqi men filed lawsuits against President Trump and the U.S. government on January 28.
President Trump declared that the ban was "working out very nicely," referencing airport activity levels. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani acknowledged advising Trump on developing what became known as the "Muslim ban."
Atlanta
Around two thousand individuals assembled outside the domestic terminal of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport on January 29 to voice opposition to the travel restriction and the detention of 11 passengers taken into custody the day before. Among those detained were a 10-year-old child and an elderly woman. The demonstration included civil rights leader John Lewis and Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams. Although Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed addressed the press, he did not participate in the protest itself. During the event, Reed announced that all 11 detained persons had been released.
Baltimore
On January 29, 2017, over 2,000 demonstrators gathered at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to protest against President Trump's immigration order. The crowd occupied both levels of the international arrivals area and maintained their presence well into the evening. Attendees represented a wide range of ethnicities and faiths from the Baltimore-Washington area, including a significant number of religious Jews from Pikesville, Maryland. Legal professionals were on-site to assist refugees and green-card holders. No foreign nationals were held at BWI during that day. The peaceful assembly was supported by notable Maryland officials and congressional representatives and concluded without any disruptions. BWI Airport publicly acknowledged the protesters for their orderly behavior.
California
The demonstration in Los Angeles started with roughly 200 participants on Saturday, expanding to 400 by nightfall as news circulated about federal judges issuing stays on the executive order. Seven individuals were detained at LAX in connection with the order, prompting immigration lawyers to establish a temporary legal aid station in the Bradley Terminal to assist travelers. The protest grew to several thousand people, filling the Tom Bradley International Terminal and extending onto nearby streets. On Sunday, around 4,000 protesters returned, with a smaller group staging a counter-protest that led to a brief road closure near Terminal 3. Later that day, demonstrators blocked World Way demanding the release of those detained; two arrests occurred for obstructing traffic, but those arrested were cited and released shortly after. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti affirmed that the city would continue to serve as a sanctuary for all residents. These protests caused some travelers to miss their flights.
In Sacramento, protests took place inside Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport, where Mayor Darrell Steinberg was present and voiced opposition to the executive order. Some demonstrators encountered heckling from supporters of the policy.
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately 1,000 individuals rallied in support of refugees. Initially, US Customs and Border Protection denied holding any detainees; however, five individuals were released by Sunday afternoon. The protest blocked access to the international arrivals zone and resulted in street closures nearby. California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and Google co-founder Sergey Brin participated in the demonstration. Early Sunday morning saw about 60 protesters gathering, which increased back to roughly 1,000 by midday.
San Diego witnessed two consecutive days of protests at its international airport, with nearly 1,000 participants at Terminal 2 on Sunday afternoon.
On January 30, close to 2,000 employees of Google protested against President Trump’s immigration ban at the Googleplex in Mountain View as well as at seven other global offices.
On February 4, thousands convened at San Francisco Civic Center to demonstrate against both the travel ban and proposed border wall initiatives.
Chicago
In Chicago, hundreds assembled at O'Hare International Airport to protest the detention of 17 travelers. By Saturday evening, the crowd swelled to over a thousand, causing a traffic standstill near Terminal 5. While eighteen individuals detained on Saturday were later freed, at least fifty others remained in custody for further questioning on Sunday. The demonstration received backing from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Elaine Nekritz. Although the protests diminished on Sunday morning, they resumed around 6 p.m., with several hundred participants present by 7 p.m.
Detroit
On January 29, approximately 2,500 protesters gathered at Detroit Metropolitan Airport to voice opposition to the travel ban. Additional demonstrations took place in the surrounding suburbs of Dearborn and Hamtramck, both communities with substantial Muslim American and immigrant populations. Despite snowy weather conditions, organizers coordinated efforts with the airport’s Authority Public Safety team to maintain safety and clear communication. No arrests occurred during these events.
Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, author John Green, Representative Andre Carson, and Senator Joe Donnelly took part in a protest held at Indianapolis International Airport.
Maine
On January 29, more than two thousand individuals, including the mayor and local officials, gathered at Portland International Jetport to protest the travel ban. A smaller rally was also held in Bangor.
Massachusetts
Protests at Logan International Airport in Boston featured participation from Mayor Marty Walsh and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Meanwhile, about 200 students at MIT in Cambridge demonstrated in solidarity with affected peers, including engineering student Niki Mossafer Rahmati.
Ohio
Around one thousand protesters convened at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Sunday. In Columbus, hundreds assembled near the Statehouse on January 30; police deployed pepper spray after demonstrators refused to disperse.
Orlando
Approximately one thousand people protested inside Terminal B of Orlando International Airport at 1:30 p.m., with Florida State Representatives Carlos Guillermo Smith and Amy Mercado among them. Despite a significant police presence, the protest proceeded without interruptions or arrests. This marked the first demonstration held at this airport. Customs officials detained one Iranian and two Syrians for roughly seven hours following a flight from Dubai.
Philadelphia
Between 2 and 5 p.m., four to five thousand individuals protested at Terminal A of Philadelphia International Airport. Speakers included U.S. Representative Bob Brady, members of Philadelphia City Council, and airport employees. Governor Tom Wolf, who had met with Syrian refugee families impacted by the order, supported the protest. Several detainees were released during the course of the demonstration.
Portland, Oregon
Despite an ordinance prohibiting marches inside Portland International Airport (PDX), around 150 protesters gathered there on Saturday; no citations were issued by 4:15 p.m. Additionally, approximately 400 people assembled at Terry Schrunk Plaza on Monday in an event organized by Unite Oregon. City commissioners Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish, along with staff from Senator Jeff Merkley’s office, were in attendance. During Monday’s protest, a 20-year-old man was arrested for displaying a replica firearm while driving past the rally and was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct.
Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina
On Sunday, roughly 1,500 demonstrators assembled outside Terminal 2 at Raleigh–Durham International Airport.
Seattle
More than 3,000 protesters gathered at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport on January 28, with backing from officials such as Governor Jay Inslee. Approximately 13 individuals were taken into custody, and Port police employed pepper spray, resulting in about 15 arrests.
Service on the Link light rail to the airport station was suspended for half an hour following a request by the Port of Seattle Police but was subsequently reinstated by Sound Transit. This suspension drew criticism for restricting public assembly rights in a communal area. Subsequently, on January 30, Sound Transit and King County Metro implemented a policy requiring approval from their CEO or general manager before complying with future law enforcement demands to halt transit service.
Also on January 30, employees of Google in Seattle organized a walkout protesting the travel ban.
Texas
Between 300 and 400 protesters gathered at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, over 800 individuals demonstrated at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where authorities detained 13 travelers, including an elderly Iranian green card holder who was held overnight. Another group of approximately 800 protesters arrived later that day to sustain the demonstrations. Nine detainees were released off-site, and Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings issued an apology on behalf of the city.
In El Paso, about 30 people participated in a protest at El Paso International Airport, organized by local Muslim organizations.
Houston experienced several protests throughout the weekend. On January 28, crowds gathered at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which reached full capacity on Sunday. More than a thousand individuals marched near Discovery Green during Super Bowl Live events to oppose the executive order. Additional demonstrations took place during the entirety of Super Bowl weekend.
Washington, D.C.
Protests at Dulles International Airport included participation from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Senator Cory Booker. Democratic members of Congress such as John Delaney, Gerry Connolly, and Don Beyer also joined. Rabbi Jack Moline, president of the Interfaith Alliance, along with advocacy group CASA, played key roles in organizing attendees.
Demonstrations persisted both at Dulles and outside the White House, with Senators Kamala Harris and Catherine Cortez Masto among those present. Additional protests were held near the Trump International Hotel.
On Monday evening, Democrats rallied at the United States Supreme Court Building against the executive order. Prominent participants included House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senators Chuck Schumer, Joe Manchin, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley, and Al Franken, as well as Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Nydia Velázquez, Andre Carson, and Joseph Crowley.
On February 1, 2017, over two thousand people took part in the "Rally for Refugees" held at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which included Congressman Hank Johnson.
Germany
On February 4, 2017, around 1,200 demonstrators gathered in Berlin to protest against President Trump's policies, assembling near the U.S. Embassy and Brandenburg Gate. This event, coordinated by The Coalition, specifically challenged Trump's proposed Mexico–U.S. border wall. German Chancellor Angela Merkel openly criticized the travel ban, arguing that fighting terrorism should not lead to broad suspicion of Muslim populations and underscoring the necessity of offering refuge to those escaping conflict.
United Kingdom
In London, a large-scale protest opposing Trump's executive order attracted thousands, with approximately nine thousand registering on Facebook and many more showing interest. Activist Owen Jones played a key role in rallying participants who also called for the UK government to revoke its invitation to Trump. The demonstration marched toward Downing Street, causing notable disruption near Westminster station and Whitehall, drawing a substantial crowd. Comparable protests took place in cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Leicester, where Yasmin Surti emphasized the solidarity among diverse communities.
By February 4, 2017, an estimated ten thousand individuals protested in London against Prime Minister May's endorsement of Trump. Since the order's issuance, more than 30 rallies opposing Executive Order 13769 have been held across the UK.
During President Trump's visit to London on July 13, 2018, thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square and Blenheim Palace to demonstrate. Protesters carried signs condemning Trump's policies with slogans like "Trump Not Welcome" and "World's No. 1 racist." Additionally, Amnesty International supporters organized a rally on Vauxhall Bridge in Central London featuring a banner reading "Human Rights Nightmare."
Reactions
Former U.S. President Barack Obama publicly denounced the travel ban, encouraging nationwide community solidarity. In retaliation, Larry Klayman filed a lawsuit against Obama, accusing him of inciting an individual involved in a protest at Los Angeles International Airport.
A number of celebrities—including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bette Midler, Stephen Colbert, Morgan Freeman, and Mia Farrow—expressed their opposition to the ban via social media platforms. Following the Supreme Court’s June 2018 decision upholding the ban, President Donald Trump tweeted: "Supreme Court upholds Trump travel ban. WOW!" In response, figures like Morgan Freeman condemned the ruling as a backward step, while Lin-Manuel Miranda described it as a "shameful day." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also criticized the verdict for fostering racism and xenophobia.
Social media significantly amplified protest efforts, with influential personalities leveraging their accounts to promote relevant hashtags. Their extensive follower bases helped these topics trend on Twitter and other networks, boosting public awareness and engagement.
Social media reactions
Opposition to Executive Order 13769 rapidly gained traction across social media channels. On January 25, 2017, demonstrators in New York chanted "No ban no wall," a phrase that became emblematic during protests nationwide—including in Seattle and Washington, D.C. This slogan subsequently transformed into the hashtag #nobannowall, widely adopted on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr to resist President Trump's border wall and travel ban initiatives (Executive Orders 13769 and 13767). Facebook groups such as "No Ban No Wall SF" organized events that attracted considerable attention—22,000 users showed interest with an expected turnout of about 10,000.
Donald Trump frequently utilized Twitter to comment on the travel ban. Prior to widespread protests, on March 25, 2016, he tweeted: "It is amazing how often I am right, only to be criticized by the media. Illegal immigration, take the oil, build the wall, Muslims, Nato!" Later on September 15, 2017, he remarked: "The travel ban into the United States should be far larger, tougher and more specific - but stupidly, that would not be politically correct!"
Reactions extended beyond Trump’s statements—countless social media users and celebrities voiced dissent. Actress Mia Farrow tweeted that the travel ban was driven by presidential xenophobia and stressed the importance of legislation limiting executive authority.
Associated hashtags
The hashtag #nobanowall appeared alongside several others:
- #noTrump: Frequently utilized on social platforms by those opposing Trump's administration policies.
- #GrandparentsNotTerrorists: Drew attention to the travel ban that halted visa issuance for refugees and nationals from countries such as North Korea, Venezuela, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Although the ban allowed exceptions for individuals with a "bona fide relationship" in the United States, family members like grandparents and aunts were not included. This campaign was launched by the National Iranian American Council on Twitter to highlight the issue of family separations.
- #MuslimBan: Featured in conversations surrounding Executive Order 13769, reflecting both proponents and critics of the directive.
Additional reactions
Opposition to the executive order led to over 350,000 donors contributing to the ACLU, which amassed more funds during one weekend than throughout the entirety of 2016. Lyft donated $1 million (adjusted for inflation). Conversely, Uber encountered boycotts due to CEO Travis Kalanick's participation on Trump's economic advisory council and allegations of undermining taxi drivers' strikes.
Starbucks committed to employing 10,000 refugees worldwide over a five-year period as a direct response to the order.
On January 28, author Eoin Higgins urged protesters to channel their energy into organizing a general strike.
On February 2, Yemeni immigrant-owned small businesses and bodegas in New York City closed from noon until 8 p.m. in protest; more than a thousand establishments took part. Later that evening, business owners and supporters convened at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
The United Talent Agency (UTA) chose to cancel its annual Oscars celebration in protest, reallocating the $250,000 budget to support the ACLU.
Effects
Muslim communities in New York City expressed feeling bolstered by the protests and reported a stronger sense of belonging within their neighborhoods. Similarly, Muslims in the United Kingdom appreciated the public demonstration of unity.