Quakers march 300 miles from New York to Washington to protest Trump’s immigration policies

Quakers have embarked on a 300-mile march from New York City to Washington DC to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The journey, which spans New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, is part of a broader effort to express solidarity with immigrants and challenge what organizers describe as a departure from constitutional values and equality before the law.

The march continues a long tradition of Quaker activism, rooted in a commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity. Historically, Quakers have been at the forefront of movements to end slavery, promote women’s suffrage, and advocate for civil rights. More recently, they have engaged in legal action against the federal government over immigration enforcement practices, including the ability of agents to make arrests at places of worship.

Organizers of the march emphasized the importance of historical context, drawing on the Flushing Remonstrance—a 17th-century document that called for religious freedom and opposed restrictions on Quaker worship. The document, which remains significant in Quaker history, is being carried to the US Capitol as a symbol of enduring principles. Quakers say it serves as a reminder of the need to uphold the guiding principle that all are welcome.

Participants described the march as both a physical and spiritual journey. Jess Hobbs Pifer, a 25-year-old Quaker and organizer, reflected on the challenges of standing against what she called “existential threats” to American ideals. “I just have to put one foot in front of the other to move towards something better,” she said, connecting the present struggle to the legacy of Quaker activism.

Max Goodman, a 28-year-old Quaker who joined the march, highlighted the tension between current policies and the foundational values of the United States. “Even when they aren’t breaking rules explicitly, they’re really engaging in bad faith with the spirit of pluralism, tolerance and respect for human dignity,” he said. “This document is important in New York Quaker history, and it reminds us of what we stand for.”

The march reflects a broader Quaker commitment to public witness and advocacy. By walking the path of their ancestors, participants seek to reaffirm their faith’s role in shaping a more just and inclusive society. The journey is not only a protest but also a reclamation of historical principles in the face of contemporary challenges.

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