BURSTThe Democratic National Committee (DNC) and aligned advocacy groups are planning Saturday protests against GOP redistricting efforts in Texas.
Nearly 50 events condemning a vote proposed by Republicans in the Lone Star State will take place across 20 states nationwide. The demonstrations are dubbed "Fight the Trump Takeover.”
“From Texas to California to Illinois, the labor movement is united in resisting the Trump takeover. This is a defining battle for the future of our democracy, and working people across the country understand the urgent need to act,” Rick Levy, president of the Texas AFL-CIO said in a statement.
“As this fight continues to spread nationwide, we will stand strong this Saturday — to defend our votes, protect our rights, and stop this redistricting scheme," he added.
The main rally will take place outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin, as events are hosted across the country, including in Alaska and Maine.
“[President] Donald Trump’s latest scheme is as crooked as it gets – redrawing the maps, rewriting who counts, and threatening to throw opposition lawmakers in jail, all to lock in minority rule for a generation," Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of the Indivisible advocacy organization said.
"As a Texan, I am too familiar with corrupt politicians – but what Donald Trump and [Texas Gov.] Greg Abbott [(R)] are doing is beyond corruption. It’s a d--- coup,” Levein added, noting "this may have started in Texas, but it will end with all of us."
Similar large-scale protests have sprung up in recent months against President Trump’s agenda, including his crackdown on immigration, spending reductions and massive changes to the federal government.
During one of the events outside the state capitol, Abbott ordered the lockdown of premises surrounding the area and told local law enforcement to arrest demonstrators who violated the imposed curfew.
The upcoming rallies come as Abbott and other GOP lawmakers have pushed for Democrats, who fled the state to delay votes about the new congressional maps, to be arrested and returned to Texas.
Trump has said he believes Texas is "entitled" to more five more House seats via the redistricting measure.
Amid the push in Texas, other states have signaled that they may follow suit. California is moving forward with plans to hold a referendum to potentially redraw maps.