Gallery • 26 Photos

Lynn Singh

Protest has become an increasingly popular way for people to express their concerns. More than 29,500 public protests took place in 2023. Starting on April 5, the “Hands Off” protests have taken place all over the United States. The movement stands for anti-tariff legislation, LQBTQ+ rights, Women’s rights, Social Security legislation, Disability rights and Veteran rights.Their mission statement focuses on three demands: “an end to an end to the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration, an end to slashing federal funds for Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs working people rely on and an end to the attacks on immigrants, trans people, and other communities” as stated on the official Hands Off! Toolkit for Hosts document.  

The organizations We Can Lead Change, Fox Valley Activists, Indivisible Fox Valley Rising and Western Kane County Democrats arranged a Hands Off protest in South Elgin. It took place on Saturday, April 19 on Randall road. Protesters stretched from Silver Glen Road to McDonald road. Many cars passing by honked in support. There were about 2,000 participants, most with signs advocating for their causes. 

This protest does not stand alone. Another Hands Off protest happened two weeks ago, on April 5. It took place in Geneva, featuring about 6,000 participants. Paula Merrington of Fox Valley Activists was one of the staff at the event. Merrington, on behalf of Fox Valley Activists, supports the Hands Off protests due to the demand for change in Kane County. 

“People have been asking to express their emotions about what’s going on nationally and locally. [Fox Valley Activists] would like to provide safe rallies for folks to be able to do that,” said Merrington. 

Another protester shared their experience with activism and the importance of protesting. 

“I’ve been an activist for the last 10 years,” said the protester. “’I’ve also been a justice warrior for my whole life. You need to have justice for people and protect the rights of the people in this country.”