Governor Ron DeSantis visited New College of Florida alongside top immigration officials, including U.S. "Border Czar" Tom Homan and former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, Thursday. The group came together for a roundtable discussion on border security as state and local law enforcement agencies collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to intensify their ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. Outside the event, demonstrators gathered to protest what they described as harsh and contentious immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Around 150 people held signs and bellowed chants and slogans opposing the administration's agenda. Inside the Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran moderated this year's edition of the annual Socratic Stage Series intended to foster civil discourse with a focus on immigration policy at the local, state and federal levels. Protesters, however, focused on their concerns over ICE crackdowns, family separation, federal job and program cuts, and other broader implications for democracy. "The policies are just so cruel, and I guess the cruelty is the point. This is absolutely reprehensible and has to stop," Brett Thomas, chair of the Manatee County Democrats, said. "Things are going the wrong way in this country. Immigrants are hardworking people who pay a lot of taxes, and we need them for this country to grow and succeed," Thomas added. Ruth Folit of Sarasota voiced fears about the administration's impact on democracy. "Trump is damaging our democracy and flouting the law. This is a country where the law is the rule of the land, and he is not paying any attention to our constitution. It's a very dangerous time, and I am concerned for my family, my children and my grandchildren," Folit said.