What to expect from anti-immigration rallies

Anti-immigration rallies, also sometimes called anti-migrant protests or marches, are public demonstrations where participants express opposition to high levels of immigration, often focusing on issues like cultural change, resource strain, economic impacts, or security concerns. These events have occurred in various countries, including Australia, the UK, Japan, and the US, with recent examples drawing significant attention. Based on reports and accounts, here’s a general overview of what to expect, drawing from a range of perspectives including organizers, attendees, critics, and observers. Note that experiences can vary widely depending on location, scale, and local context—some remain peaceful, while others escalate due to counter-protests or external factors.

Common Elements at These Rallies

These gatherings typically follow a similar structure, though they can range from small local standouts to large nationwide marches:

• Crowd Size and Demographics: Expect anywhere from dozens to thousands of participants. Attendees often include locals concerned about housing, safety, or job competition, as well as families, veterans, and sometimes far-right groups. Many describe themselves as “patriots” honoring national identity, family, and tradition. Critics, including some migrants and anti-racism advocates, view the crowds as predominantly white nationalists or neo-Nazis, with mixed reactions from immigrant communities—some feeling targeted, others defending the right to protest.
• Activities and Atmosphere:
• Speeches and Chants: Organizers and speakers often call for policy changes like ending mass migration or prioritizing citizens for housing and services. Common slogans include “Take our country back” or demands to halt “cultural replacement.” The vibe is frequently described as uplifting and communal among supporters, with polite interactions, flag-waving, and a sense of shared purpose—attendees report people holding doors, helping each other, and striking up conversations. However, tensions can rise, leading to a “tense” or “gloomy” feel if conflicts arise.
• Signs and Symbols: Placards might highlight statistics on migration (e.g., from specific countries like India), calls for deportation, or anti-government messages. National flags are prominent, sometimes alongside controversial symbols that critics label as hateful.
• Personal Stories: Many participants share anecdotes about feeling unsafe due to alleged assaults by migrants, housing shortages favoring asylum seekers, or fears for their communities. For instance, women have recounted checking public restrooms for safety or facing eviction while migrants are housed.
• Duration and Logistics: Rallies often last a few hours, starting midday and dispersing in the afternoon (e.g., due to weather or police directives). They may involve marching through streets or standing outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Traffic disruptions are common, but some accounts note orderly behavior even in crowds.

Potential Risks and Challenges

Not all rallies stay calm—here’s what stakeholders report:

• Counter-Protests: Opposing groups (e.g., pro-immigration or anti-racism activists) often show up, leading to verbal clashes, shoving, or worse. In some cases, counter-protesters are outnumbered and escorted away by police. Attendees from both sides describe aggressive behavior, including threats, slurs, or physical fights.
• Police Presence: Authorities usually prepare in advance, with warnings to attendees and heavy monitoring. Arrests are rare in peaceful events, but escalations (e.g., over alleged assaults) can lead to interventions. Governments may respond with statements condemning extremism while defending free speech.
• Media and Public Perception: These events are often labeled “far-right” or “racist” by mainstream outlets, which can heighten tensions or deter participants. Organizers argue this stifles genuine concerns, while critics point to neo-Nazi involvement as evidence of hate. Social media amplifies both sides, with advice for immigrants to avoid posting about participation due to monitoring.
• Safety for Attendees: Some report feeling empowered, but others express nervousness about violence from counter-groups or mislabeling as extremists. In US contexts, protests against immigration enforcement have included chants, signs, and sporadic violence, with participants urging “good trouble” against authorities.

If attending, prepare for weather, crowds, and potential confrontations—many advise staying vigilant and avoiding escalation. For today’s events in Australia (e.g., March for Australia in multiple cities), police are on high alert, and outcomes remain unfolding.