Protestors, supporters of Trump gather on campus during rally

EDINBURG – A rally against the inauguration of Donald Trump not only saw protestors but also supporters of the U.S. president gather earlier today at the Quad on the Edinburg campus.

The Rio Grande Valley Youth Democratic Socialist of America (RGV YDSA) held the “Anti-Trump Solidarity Rally.”

The event saw numerous chants and speeches pertaining to Trump’s second term, highlighting comments on his stance on immigration and the Israel-Hamas war.

RGV YDSA President Jacob Becho said the organization want more people to know of its presence on campus so it can work toward a “positive change.”

Becho said the organization has a grievance against Trump’s mass deportation plans.

“This is a community of immigrants,” he said. “This is a nation of immigrants. The fact that he’s threatened to do this is just unbearably cruel.”

Next to the Interdisciplinary Engineering and Academic building, another group gathered in support of Trump with flags and a speaker playing “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People in opposition to the RGV YDSA rally.

Angelina Marie Tamez, criminal justice freshman, said the pro-Trump group was there for “a friendly conversation.”

“We don’t want to make it a debate,” Tamez said. “We’re willing to talk to the other side of the aisle and let them know, ‘Hey we’re open minded. Our differences may not be as different as you think they are.’”

Dozens of students gathered to witness the rally, including sophomore Danny Cardona who said he did not mind the event.

“I think it’s a really great thing to see to show how many people are in agreeance with one side compared to the other side,” Cardona said. “I think everyone should exercise their right to protest as long as it’s in a peaceful manner.”

The Anti-Trump Solidarity Rally started to march across campus. University Police was also present during the event.