Protest Against U.S. Imperialism In Latin America

Luz Zuniga Vega, Community Broadcaster of Viva Latinoamerica! on Fresh FM Nelson, is one of many speakers at a public protest taking place tomorrow at 2 PM at the New Zealand Parliament in opposition to Trump’s escalating aggression and threats against Latin America. Laura Morena of Latines supporting Tino Rangatiratanga Poneke, and Wikitoria Love (Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) will also be in attendance.

The rally will begin at Parliament, followed by a march to the United States Embassy on Fitzherbert Terrace.

Following the U.S. military strike on Venezuela, alongside Trump’s threats against Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, organisers say many Latin Americans are deeply concerned about what intervention will mean for their home countries.

“The United States has a bloody history on our continent,” says Hands off Latin America spokesperson Valerie Morse. “Consistently supporting coups against democratically-elected leaders, and backing dictatorships and undemocratic regimes which have violently suppressed popular movements.”

“There are countless examples, from the 1954 coup in Guatemala, to aiding Pinochet’s coup and dictatorship in Chile, Argentina’s military junta, and far-right regimes across Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia under Operation Condor.”

“While the United States justifies its foreign interventions in the name of democracy, justice, and in the interests of everyday people, these actions are really about geopolitical and economic control.”

“While U.S. Presidents and their corporate backers play these power games, wage wars, manipulate markets and threaten countries for oil, resources, and profit, it’s everyday Latin Americans who pay the greatest cost.”

Valeria Morse says as the U.S. escalates aggression abroad, it also does so at home.

“ICE raids, prolonged and inhumane detention, and deportations continue to be used to bludgeon Latin American and immigrant communities,” says Valerie Morse. “Trump doesn’t care about Latin American people.”

The group’s concerns follow the recent killing of Renee Good, a 37yearold U.S. citizen shot by ICE agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and protests in the U.S.

In 2025, there were 32 reported deaths in ICE custody, the highest number of deaths reported since 2004, amidst reports of unsanitary conditions, inadequate food and poor medical care.

"Those who would cite human rights abuses as justification for U.S. invasions and attacks on a country, should look more closely at the human rights violations and extra-judicial killings happening within U.S. borders, against immigrants and U.S. citizens alike."

Organisers say they are concerned about New Zealand’s growing alignment with U.S. foreign policy through the Five Eyes network, naval participation in RIMPAC, and the recent decision to welcome an FBI office in Wellington.

“Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ statement has been weak. The New Zealand government has not condemned these threats and attacks.”

“When the United States acts against other countries' sovereignty, that matters here in New Zealand, because our government is not neutral.”

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