A wave of coordinated demonstrations swept across the nation Friday, orchestrated by a network of groups identifying with socialist and communist ideologies, all focused on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Despite ambitious calls for a complete “National Shutdown” – halting work, school, and commerce – the effort largely failed to gain widespread traction.
An investigation revealed connections between several of the demonstration’s key organizers and a complex web of nonprofit organizations financially supported by tech mogul Neville Roy Singham. Singham, residing in China and openly advocating Marxist principles, has reportedly leveraged this network to disseminate messaging favorable to the Chinese Communist Party.
In Washington, D.C., activists gathered near the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro station. A small group from the Party for Socialism and Liberation arrived with dozens of bright yellow signs, meticulously stapled to wooden pickets, delivered by vehicle to a nearby alley.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation, a self-proclaimed Marxist organization, has been a prominent force in previous protests targeting both police and ICE. Activists quickly distributed the signs near the Metro station, preparing for the scheduled start of the demonstration.
At precisely 3 p.m., a leader from the Party for Socialism and Liberation directed the assembled protesters with a simple, commanding shout: “Into the streets.” The group, now equipped with the newly distributed signs, moved forward in a quiet procession.
The “National Shutdown” campaign urged citizens to abstain from work, school, and shopping as a form of protest against ICE operations. Promotional materials leveled accusations of “terror” against federal immigration authorities and demanded a complete cessation of ICE funding.
Signs boldly proclaimed “STOP ICE TERROR NOW,” with the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s name displayed beneath. The protest’s coalition extended beyond the Party for Socialism and Liberation, encompassing groups like People’s Forum, CodePink, and BreakThrough News – all linked to Singham’s funding network.
Further solidifying the ideological alignment, organizations such as the Revolutionary Communists of America, Communist Party USA, Socialists Without Borders, and various Marxist student groups also endorsed or actively organized the protests. Even chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America participated.
Experts in propaganda suggest that such demonstrations are often designed to cultivate a narrative of national dysfunction, a tactic frequently employed by insurgencies and conveniently exploited by geopolitical rivals. The resulting image of instability can be strategically advantageous to nations like China.
The coalition wasn’t solely comprised of far-left groups; organizations with ties to the Democratic Party also joined the effort. Multiple chapters of Indivisible, a national activist network known for its contributions to Democratic campaigns, publicly endorsed the protest.
Throughout the event, many demonstrators prioritized capturing the moment for social media, posing for selfies and photos. As the police presence reasserted control, the crowds dispersed quickly, with some protesters already discussing post-demonstration plans.
“Where do you want to go for drinks?” one protester casually asked another, highlighting a stark contrast between the intensity of the stated cause and the immediate return to everyday life after the demonstration concluded.
