Filipino Americans join ‘Hands Off!’ anti-Trump rallies across US

NEW YORK — Donald Trump is making headlines again this week, but not in a positive light. 

Just three months into his second term, he is already discussing a potential third run. This has sparked protests reminiscent of those during his previous terms.

The protests echo significant demonstrations of the past, such as the 2017 Women’s March and the Black Lives Matter protests that followed George Floyd’s killing in 2020. This time, the streets were filled with people expressing their anger over Trump’s policies.

“Remove, reverse, reclaim!” was the rallying cry of tens of thousands of anti-Trump protesters who gathered in over 1,000 cities across all 50 states on Saturday.

Among them were Filipino Americans, including Paz Herrero, a devout Democrat and vocal critic of the president. 

Paz Herrero joins the ‘Hands Off!’ rally in New York. CONTRIBUTED

“I think the protests today will show our elected leaders that we have had enough of this administration’s bullying,” Herrero, the daughter of the late veteran actor Subas Herrero, told USNewsRank while protesting in New York’s Bryant Park. “We want Democrats and Republicans to hold the president and his cabinet accountable.”

The “Hands Off!” rally, noted as the biggest opposition demonstration to date, sent a strong message to the White House. Protesters voiced concerns over Trump’s agenda, including firing thousands of federal workers, closing Social Security offices, deporting immigrants and scaling back protections for transgender individuals.

Photo from Ninotchka Rosca/Facebook

“These immigration arrests without due process and the firing of federal workers without reason have been damaging,” Herrero said, braving the cold and rain at the New York rally.

Regarding immigration, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated, “Our city laws prohibit collaboration with ICE or any civil enforcement.” He emphasized that residents, both documented and undocumented, should continue to access essential services without fear. “No one is being rounded up in their jobs or elsewhere,” he added.

The Hands Off! demonstrations included civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans and election activists.

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Demonstrators hold up signs during a “Hands Off!” protest against President Donald Trump at the Washington Monument in Washington, Saturday, April 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Charmaine Clamor, a community organizer from the Bay Area, expressed her dismay over Trump’s policies. “These programs support those who need it most, yet they are being gutted under the guise of ‘efficiency,’” she told USNewsRank. “This protest is a reminder that the government is for the people, and we have a voice.”

Melissa Sklarz, a Democratic district leader, criticized Trump’s unilateral tariff actions. “I do not understand what the endgame is. It seems like he wants to bankrupt America,” she said.

Demonstrators hold up signs during a “Hands Off!” protest against President Donald Trump at the Washington Monument in Washington, Saturday, April 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Fil-Am special education teacher Deirdre Levy, who is running for New York City mayor, stressed the importance of continued mobilization. “It’s great that people are standing up for their rights,” she said. “The next step is to get involved locally and hold elected officials accountable.”

Dawn Coleman, a Filipino American trans member of the New York Nurses Association, condemned the administration’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. “This is a grassroots movement born from a political climate that targets us,” she said. “If not now, when? No day but today.”

Demonstrators carry signs during the “Hands Off!” protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk at the Washington Monument in Washington, Saturday, April 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his latest lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time regarding an executive order imposing voting restrictions he deemed unconstitutional and anti-democratic. “This is a massive power grab by Trump,” he said in a statement.

Among the rally participants were Filipino green card holders expressing their frustration with Trump’s direction. 

“We want Trump to listen to us. This is not the way to ‘Make America Great Again,’” said an immigrant nurse who requested anonymity for fear of deportation. “We worked hard during the pandemic, and this is our reward?”

In a statement sent to USNewsRank, White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston reiterated Trump’s commitment to protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, while accusing Democrats of threatening these programs by extending benefits to undocumented immigrants.

“President Trump’s position is clear: He will always protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”

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