NOTN- Juneau for Democracy, a local organization formed in January, says its intention is to mobilize Alaskans to protect civil rights through peaceful protests and direct civic engagement.
The group, founded by concerned citizens, focuses on holding elected officials accountable and addressing issues ranging from healthcare access to immigration policies.
They are also responsible for the June ‘No Kings’ protest held in Juneau, which had over 1500 participants in the capital city alone.
The organization regularly hosts rallies, and encourages constituents to contact their representatives. Members also maintain a weekly presence with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office staff and hold “Stand for Staff” events every Thursday to support federal employees affected by recent mass firings.
“It is really rewarding to have these conversations, because people feel heard.” Said Juneau for Democracy’s Ariel Hasse-Zamudio, “That’s a huge way that we can make a difference, if we’re not building relationships, if we’re not having conversations, then we’re not able to move forward and elevate our issues.”
Juneau for Democracy is focusing on a few key issues in their activism, including budget allocations that affect Medicaid.
“Just a little under 40% of Alaskans are on Medicaid, and that’s a huge number, because we’re only a state of 741,000 people.” Said Hasse-Zamudio, “that’s your neighbor, that’s your friend, that’s the people you might have seen at the hospital, and because so many people are going to lose their health care because of the requirements of the bill, that’s going to cause medical facilities to shut down.”
The tax and spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law July 4 enacts wide-ranging changes to public policy, including major revisions to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and federal tax laws.
A provision in the bill will require the 40 states that have expanded Medicaid, to check paperwork at least twice a year to ensure those enrollees are volunteering or working at least 80 hours a month or attending school at least half-time.
The new law provides states $200 million for fiscal year 2026 to get their systems up and running. But some experts say states will have difficulty meeting the deadline with that funding and worry enrollees might lose their health benefits as a result.
“It’s actually more important now that the bill has passed that we continue to elevate the decisions that our federal delegation made that are against Alaskan interests.” Hass-Zamudio said.
The group also spotlights protecting public lands, and opposing what they describe as overreach by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The group argues ICE can currently arrest individuals without warrants or clear cause.
“We need accountability for this organization, if this organization is to exist and be funded.” Said Hasse-Zamudio, “there’s really no oversight right now.”
Recently, the Alaska Department of Corrections has held dozens of immigration detainees in Anchorage under conditions that violate federal standards for humane treatment.
According to Alaska Public Media, three immigration lawyers said the men were denied phone access to their attorneys and consulates, held in lockdown for long periods and, in one incident, subjected to pepper spray.
ICE teams are continuing to carry out enforcement operations, and officials have said targeting criminals is a priority, but a key issue to watch is how the term “criminal” is defined. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that the administration sees all undocumented immigrants as criminals.
Megan Lingle from Juneau for Democracy added” I know that my Tlingit ancestors sacrificed a great deal, and we are still living with the trauma of those sacrifices. I mean, boarding schools were not that long ago, many of my grandparents generations were abducted and forced into them, and that hits really close to home when we hear ice might be in town.”
Lingle also emphasized the collective effort of Juneau for Democracy, “It’s crucial not only to use my voice, but also to encourage others to do the same, because fear grows in silence.”
The organization is planning another protest at the Capitol building on August 2 in Juneau, advocating for education funding as a part of a national day of protest, “Rage Against the Regime.”
“Juneau may seem small, but every voice matters.” Said Lingle “”We are the leaders we are waiting for.”
