Aging Progressives Continue Activism Amid Trump Era

A high-ranking aide within the Trump administration expressed that seasoned activists ‘should retire and take a respite.’ But aging progressives like Bonnie Daniels and Dee Anne Croucher voice that instead of relaxing, they will continue their advocacy with relentless vigor. Their paths in life had led them to spend their post-career years navigating the glaringly lit corridors of immigration courts, defiantly standing against the intimidating figures of ICE operatives concealed behind their masks. These relentless women find themselves gravitating towards these spaces every day as a silent rebellion against the increasingly oppressive policies introduced under Trump’s presidency.

Daniels and Croucher play a significant role in preparing immigrants for what’s forthcoming. They distribute markers, enabling each immigrant to inscribe an emergency contact number on their forearm. They lend their comforting presence to each immigrant, aligning with them, accompanying them step by step into the sea of stern-faced agents forming an intimidating barricade at the exit. The two ladies, akin to many other seniors leading the charge against the Trump government, have their roots in the opposition to the Vietnam War era. Coupled with the thought-provoking principle of their youth — mistrust in anyone over the age of 30, they have now adopted a new mantra for their twilight years.

These veterans of activism, having accumulated a lifetime of wisdom, now direct their energy towards public demonstrations outside the White House, local protests in rural landscapes, and rallies against the harsher immigration policies introduced by Trump. They’ve stepped out of their tranquil retirement life, brandishing handmade placards and taking part in peaceful sit-ins. Research lends credence to the argument that individuals tend to foster increasingly conservative views as they age. Yet, seniors who have remained faithful and unwavering to the ideologies of their youth are now stepping in to pilot protest movements and anti-Trump dissent sprouting ubiquitously across the nation.

When words scoffing senior activists as ‘elderly white hippies’ emerged from a Trump aide in Washington DC, it sparked a blaze of discontent in some while rekindling the spirit of resilience and challenge in others. ‘We are the activism veterans of the era characterized by Vietnam,’ declared Daniels. ‘We are the pillars of the women’s, Chicano, and Black movement. I hold my identity as an old hippie in the highest esteem. This branding is my proud insignia.’

It’s a well-established fact that aged progressives form a political minority. Twenty-five years ago, there wasn’t an age-based defining facet in the political realm. Contrastingly, shift focus to the present, and indeed, the past decade, there’s a conspicuous pattern observed in voting behavior — the majority of voters under the age of 30 have a proclivity for the Democratic Party, while their counterparts over the age of 60 exhibit a tendency to support Republicans.

Another element that casts a significant impact is ‘gender’. It’s predominantly women who form the majority of the elderly activism brigade, dedicating their time to arrange demonstrations, participate in community meetings and advocate their beliefs roadside, placards in hand. These women counter the stereotype with a fierce proclamation, ‘We haven’t bowed out yet and while we’re capable, we assure you, we won’t let inertia take over.’

An average day for Daniels and Croucher transpires in a federal building, in the midst of countless hopeful immigrants streaming out of courtrooms. A few of them, gripping the extension or dismissal of their cases, bear expressions of cautious optimism. As the companions trail the ongoing proceedings, an ICE agent’s call knocks the air out of the room — as a family was led away under the stern scrutiny of ICE escorts.

Their hearts heavied by this sight, Daniels and Croucher didn’t falter. They readied themselves to offer companionship to the next immigrant waiting anxiously. Their efforts were abruptly intercepted by a masked agent. Despite the hurdles, Croucher echoes the felt need to go back time and time again. ‘I strongly believe that it’s imperative for us to be a witness to this,’ she asserts, explaining her unwavering dedication to coming back.

Her solemn words carry a grim reality, ‘You cannot erase people without leaving traces behind. You can’t let them vanish without anyone bearing witness. We owe it to the future to have a record of these unjust events.’