Protestors packed Children’s Park in Chico holding signs that expressed their disappointment and frustration with the Trump administration.
The event was part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” protest of more than 1,000 rallies across the U.S. against President Donald Trump’s recent actions regarding immigration, tariffs and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Demonstrators held signs with slogans like “Keep your MAGA mitts off my social security,” “Down with fascists” and “We dumped tea in a harbor for less.”
Rafiki Choctaw-Webster said it’s his constitutional duty to speak out against Trump.
“I want to support the masses that’s out here that’s trying to get rid of an individual that calls himself a king. We’re a democracy,” Choctaw-Webster said. “This guy’s a farce.”
Vehicles passing by on the Esplanade were greeted by protestors waving signs. Many drivers honked in support, some yelled in opposition, others studied the crowd and read their signs.
“Today is a day of hope, unity and action. Today we shout to the mountains and shake the earth with our cry. Back off. Hands off."Elizabeth Johnson, speaker at Chico's "Hand Off!" protest
Speakers took to a stage toward the back of the park. Residents heard from some current and former Chico City Council members, including Bryce Goldstein and Alex Brown.
“Today is a day of hope, unity and action. Today we shout to the mountains and shake the earth with our cry. Back off. Hands off,” speaker Elizabeth Johnson said. The crowd cheered.
Moments later, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” began to play over the public address system. Protestors mouthed the words of the chorus as they walked toward the street to march through downtown Chico.
"It helps me to come out here to see the community because it’s not always easy to see within the walls of your own home. So it gives me hope."- Monica Ashurst, attendee of Chico's "Hands Off!" protest
With the sun beating down, the group of more than a 1,000 people moved together from the park to City Plaza and back.
Down the street at the march’s endpoint, Monica Ashurst said seeing the number of people who showed up to rally demonstrates “that most people have good heads on their shoulders,” she said. “Most people know what the right thing to do is.”
Ashurst came with her twin sister to show support for democracy, environment and free speech.
“It helps me to come out here to see the community because it’s not always easy to see within the walls of your own home,” Ashurst said. “So it gives me hope.”
In the North State, other rallies happened in Redding, Mt. Shasta City, Susanville, Quincy and Marysville.
More photos from the rally and march
