Residents of Sioux County gathered Monday evening for a peaceful pro-immigrant rally, coming together along Highway 75 to voice concern about immigration enforcement and its impact on families and communities. The demonstration reflected a growing desire among local residents to address national social issues at the community level. More than 350 people lined the highway, holding signs and standing in solidarity as cars passed by. Many cars honked in support of those who were at the rally and some also just drove by. The rally remained peaceful throughout its entirety, with participants focused on raising awareness and showing support for immigrants living and working in the area. Organizers said the turnout demonstrated how deeply immigration issues resonate even in small-town Iowa.
Many protesters said they were motivated by concerns about family separation and the effect immigration enforcement actions have on trust within communities. While debates around immigration often play out on the national stage, rallygoers said the consequences are felt locally, especially in rural areas where neighbors depend on one another. Participants emphasized that the rally was not about division, but about standing up for shared values such as fairness, dignity, and compassion. In fact, many signs at the rally had bible verses on them such as Matthew 22:39 (and Mark 12:31 and Leviticus 19:18). As well as signs that just expressed the need for empathy for ALL people. Protesters also stressed that immigration is no longer just another political debate. Several said the issue has reached a critical point and requires action beyond partisan lines. “Congress has not been doing its job. Immigration reform is the only way to fix this problem. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is a human issue, and it has to do with the people that we love and what it means to be a neighbor. We have reached a turning point,” said Northwestern College’s Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS), Dr. Jason Lief, a protester.
Local activists said the rally was intended to encourage dialogue and remind elected officials that immigration policies affect real people, not just statistics. It is important to show that everyone is human, and everyone has that humanity in common. By standing together in a visible public space, they hoped to show solidarity with immigrant families who may feel vulnerable or unheard. “People are seeing that this is just about caring for each other and basic human decency,” said another NW BTS Professor, Cambria Kaltwasser, a protester.
Throughout the evening, organizers described the response as largely positive. Many participants said the encouragement reinforced their belief that compassion and understanding remain strong values within the community. However, there have been some negative comments circulating about this event. One of which is a local newspaper (which I will not name) that claimed that protestors were bussed in from other ‘blue states’ to help fill out the crowd. After talking to a few people who attended the rally, that rumor can be put to rest that there in fact was no bus load of people who arrived to protest.
While the rally lasted only a few hours, those involved said the conversation is far from over. Protesters said they plan to continue advocating for immigration reform and supporting immigrant neighbors through community engagement and education. Organizers emphasized that small-town voices matter and that peaceful demonstrations like this one can help bridge gaps in understanding. For many who attended, the rally was not only a protest, but also a reminder of what it means to stand up for one another and work toward a more inclusive community.
