by Monique Howard
South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project
SICKLERVILLE, NJ — The Cross Keys Crusade for Democracy took place on February 18, 2026, and is one of many grassroots protests that have occurred across the state, where people share the sentiments of a nationwide movement opposing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) tactics and other alleged aspects of government overreach.
Recently, rallies have occurred in Lindenwold, Clifton, and Roxbury.
On this cloudy Wednesday afternoon, protesters gathered along the sidewalk on Berlin–Cross Keys Road near the local ShopRite. The small crowd, toting signs denouncing ICE and the President, garnered support from many drivers passing by who honked their car horns to show solidarity. However, not all drivers on the road that afternoon agreed with the demonstration. A few enraged drivers shouted profanity at the protesters and gave them the middle finger. An attendee, Cory, was alarmed by what he considered unnecessary aggression from some drivers passing by. “I just can’t believe, standing out here now, how many people are so angry that we’re here,” he exclaimed.
Despite some of the negative responses, the protesters remained resolute as upbeat music poured from a small stereo set up in the grass nearby.
Under the guidance of Mary, volunteer organizer of the Cross Keys Crusade for Democracy, this peaceful rally served as a “wake-up call” to raise awareness of unjust policies, civil rights rollbacks, and attacks on the First Amendment. To protect individual privacy, the volunteer organizer and some participants agreed to share their thoughts, but requested that their full names be withheld.
“I’m trying to provide an opportunity for people to come out and increase visibility to show our opposition to, you know, the madness that’s going on,” Mary stated. “There are so many issues. So many of the policies are just inhumane and cruel.”
She added, “The fabric of our democracy is just being torn apart, and people are oblivious to it. They have their heads in the sand. So we really just want people to wake up.”
Like many others present at the rally, Greg expressed his frustration with what he perceives as corruption. “Our President is making a mockery of the law,” he said. “He is a criminal, and he belongs in jail, and our Congress is impotent to do anything about it.”
As with Mary, Greg also hopes to shed light on issues surrounding the political climate and help create change. “Donald Trump is using ICE as his personal Gestapo and targeting citizens and noncitizens alike, and he must be stopped,” he said.
Another attendee, Patricia, agreed to share her thoughts about ICE.
“I’m really upset about all the hate and all that ICE is doing,” she said. “The people need to be monitored. We need to move into a positive place.” She continued, “I want to encourage all people to support all the bills in Congress in opposition to ICE.”
This story is produced as part of the South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project fellowship, in partnership with Temple University’s Center for Community-Engaged Media and is supported by funding from the People’s Media Fund and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
