Photos: Protestors picket Border Patrol recruitment at St. Pete Carillon Hilton

A crowd of people hold protest signs and a large banner reading “MICRO PENIS” during an outdoor demonstration, with a law enforcement officer standing nearby. Protestors outside Carillon Park Hilton hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida on Jan. 13, 2026. Credit: Valerie Smith / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

A protest was held outside of the St. Petersburg Carillon Park Hilton hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in response to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruitment event being held within. Around 100 protestors showed up blaring sirens from bullhorns, chanting, and holding signs criticizing the hotel and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Nearly as many police officers were present as there were protestors, reportedly to manage the crowd and prevent roadway obstructions. Hotel manager Gregory Rice could be seen alongside St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and several U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers.

Inside, the recruiting experience reflected the militaristic culture of the green-suited agency.

In response to the anti-ICE signs held by many protestors, Gualtieri attempted to clarify that CBP and ICE are different agencies within DHS, WTSP reported. Border Patrol, a part of CBP, has previously been criticized for its aggressive tactics, and is seen within DHS as a more rogueish and unpredictable agency than ICE.

Credit: Valerie Smith / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay