A protest aimed at Republican State Senator Jessica de la Cruz’s campaign fundraiser Tuesday night has sparked debate about political strategy and unintended consequences in Rhode Island’s liberal movement.

Demonstrators gathered outside Ladder 133 Kitchen & Social to oppose de la Cruz’s stance on immigration enforcement — specifically her support for deporting those who are in the country illegally. But the protest quickly evolved into something more complicated, raising questions about tactics and targets in political activism.

The venue, which has hosted political fundraisers for both parties over 15 years, found itself and its employees caught in the crossfire. Staff members — most of whom rely on tips for their livelihood — faced verbal harassment and lost income as protesters blocked entrance ways and created what the restaurant described as “chaos.”

“We provide a neutral, welcoming space where people come together to eat, drink, and socialize,” stated Ladder 133’s management in a statement regarding the incident. The restaurant reported receiving threatening emails and calls — a development that raises uncomfortable parallels with tactics traditionally associated with far-right groups.

The protest’s effectiveness deserves scrutiny given Rhode Island’s political landscape. Republicans hold less than 15% of seats in the General Assembly, making them virtually powerless in state governance. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party — which has overseen more deportations under Presidents Obama and Biden than under Trump — faced virtually no protest of any kind despite wielding power over immigration policy for 12 of the past 16 years.

De la Cruz, who walked through the front door despite suggestions to use a rear entrance, emerged from the incident with increased visibility, a ready-made campaign video, and a stronger political narrative. “I won’t be intimidated,” she declared, while describing supporters who braved insults like “racist,” “Nazi,” and “fascist” to attend her event. Many political commentators we spoke with suggested the decision to protest a powerless state senator’s fundraiser coupled with her decision to defy the protestors and walk in through the front door, was a strategic error that did more harm than good. At the time of this article, her Facebook page had received a large number of comments praising her handling of the incident.

This dynamic points to a larger issue in liberal activism: the tendency to target politically convenient opponents rather than confronting those who hold real power. Conservative Democrats, when in power, continue to implement many of the same policies that spark outrage when championed by Republicans. Just last month, Democrats joined the GOP in voting to pass the Laken Riley Act, a sinister bill that mandates indefinite imprisonment for undocumented immigrants who have been merely accused of a crime, with no evidence or conviction required. Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation voted “No” on the bill.

The Ladder 133 incident also sets a concerning precedent. If threatening venues over political events becomes normalized, liberal and progressive establishments hosting fundraisers could face similar tactics from conservative groups — an outcome that would further degrade political discourse and civic engagement.

For Ladder 133’s staff, these larger political questions matter less than their immediate impact: lost wages, harassment, and stress. Their experience serves as a reminder that political theatre often has real-world consequences for working people who have no stake in the underlying debate.

As Rhode Island’s liberal movement considers its next steps, the question remains: Does targeting powerless Republicans and small businesses advance their cause, or does it merely provide political ammunition to their opponents while alienating potential allies?