Multiple protests are planned in Rochester Tuesday as a member of the Trump administration is expected to visit. Tom Homan, former acting ICE director and Trump’s “border czar,” will make a stop at the Rochester Police Locust Club, according to the police union.
Here’s what to know.
Why are people protesting Tom Homan’s visit to Rochester?
Homan’s visit follows backlash over a March 24 traffic stop, where Rochester police officers were reprimanded for assisting federal immigration agents — an action that appeared to violate the city’s sanctuary city policy. The visit also comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Rochester’s sanctuary city status.
Protest organizers say the main goals of Tuesday’s protests are to have the Rochester Police Department “take seriously the will of the community that they have taken an oath to protect and serve” and remove the involved officers from duty. Additionally, they’re calling on Rochester City Council members to put through legislation that will “solidify and expand on our Sanctuary City policy.”
When are the protests taking place?
There are several protests and rallies taking place around the city Tuesday. Here’s the latest:
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Overhead banner protests: 8:30-11:30 a.m., organized by Knowledge Action Rochester and Indivisible Rochester
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Coalition Protest – Rochester’s Community Response to Homan’s Visit, Rochester Public Safety Building: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., organized by 50501 Rochester, NY chapter
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Rochester City Hall rally: 5-6:30 p.m., organized by Rochester Rapid Response Network, Free the People Rochester, ROC Democratic Socialists of America, Food Not Bombs and the Rochester Committee to End Apartheid
Live updates: Border czar Tom Homan to visit Rochester amid immigration policy clash
Will Homan meet with city leaders in Rochester?
Tom Homan, the U.S. Border Czar, addresses a special Joint Session of the Arizona Legislature in the House Chamber at the Arizona Capitol on April 8, 2025, in Phoenix.
Details of Homan’s visit remain limited. While the Rochester Police Locust Club has confirmed it will be hosting him, it has declined to comment further. According to city officials, Homan is not scheduled to meet with Mayor Malik Evans or Police Chief David Smith.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tom Homan protests in Rochester NY: What to know
