What started as a peaceful anti-Trump protest in Carlinville, Illinois, was disrupted by trucks full of manure—an obvious attempt to silence and humiliate demonstrators. But instead of backing down, the protest grew fivefold. Neighbors, activists, and even local officials showed up the following week in solidarity.

That’s when the police stepped in—not to protect the protesters, but to undermine them. Carlinville Police Chief Derek Graham forced organizers to remove simple safety barricades that shielded protesters from aggressive counter-protesters and traffic. These makeshift signs didn’t block roads or cause harm. They were there to protect people.

This isn’t just about one small town protest. It’s about the right to speak out without fear, intimidation, or selective enforcement by the very officials sworn to protect free expression.

We call on the City of Carlinville and Chief Derek Graham to publicly affirm their commitment to protest rights, to reinstate permission for basic safety measures, and to ensure that all demonstrators are treated with fairness—regardless of their political views.

Carlinville residents and peaceful protestors everywhere deserve better. If you believe in the First Amendment, now’s the time to stand up.

[Photo Credit: Chase Martin/The Telegraph]