Second ‘Hands Off!’ Protest Draws Hundreds in Roanoke

By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief

ROANOKE, Va. – Hundreds of protestors gathered at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke on Saturday afternoon to protest the Trump administration’s actions during its first 90 days. The protest was one of hundreds that took place across the country this weekend, with demonstrators speaking out against Trump’s attacks on human rights and handling of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month.

“I’m very concerned that our rights are being systematically let go,” said Lisa Wade, a Roanoke native who fears that women’s rights are under attack by the current administration’s policies. “I won’t tolerate it.” 

Other protestors expressed concern for the lack of due process for deported illegal immigrants who have been sent to El Salvador’s notorious jail Cecot (Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism).

“These people deserve their day in court before any deportation procedures take place,” said Andrew Nielsen, a 36-year-old bank auditor. 

Saturday’s protests, dubbed a “National Day of Action” by its organizers, a group called the 50501 Movement, is part of a growing national response to what the group is calling “anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” 

The first ‘Hands Off!’ protests took place on April 5, when millions of Americans gathered to speak out against Trump, whom critics say is acting as an authoritarian leader, with organized events in cities including Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg.

Paul English, a Vietnam veteran who retired from the post office after 42 years, says he has never witnessed a president prioritize personal self-interest over the interests of the American people more than Trump.

“He’s the first president I’ve ever seen wanting to be a king instead of a president for the people,” said English, 77, who also critiqued American politicians for their lack of bipartisanship. 

While no large opposition groups gathered to disrupt the protest, one man was seen attempting to rile up those in attendance. 

“I feel everything they are saying is wrong, from killing babies to wanting to keep illegals here,” said Kenny Shackelford, 47, who praised Trump for his crackdown on illegal immigration and Chinese manufacturing. “He’s doing everything that I voted him in to do.”

In his first 90 days in office, Trump has acted swiftly to fulfill his campaign promise to carry out “the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America,” including invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to help facilitate the deportation of suspected terrorists.

Sisters Abby and Eliza Swanson, from nearby Fincastle, Virginia, were among the few younger demonstrators in attendance. They urged more young people to protest the current administration’s actions and to stand up for oppressed groups. 

“We need to keep reminding ourselves everyday that this isn’t normal,” said Eliza Swanson, 28. “Just because it keeps happening more and more doesn’t make it normal.”

“I think that Democrats need to stop playing nice,” added Abby Swanson, 24. 

Protestors have been outspoken about the lack of response from the Democratic party to prevent Trump from continuing his alleged attack on American democracy. They feel the current administration has been allowed to spread misinformation and undermine the constitution without any checks and balances. 

Mason W., who recently moved from rural Tennessee to Roanoke last summer, spoke out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments about those with autism. Kennedy has received backlash for his remarks on Wednesday, where he claimed that autism “destroys families.” 

“I want people to believe in us like we’re not useless,” said Mason, who is autistic. “I’ve constantly been feeling useless my whole life.”

Mason’s partner, Thomas Wilkewitz, believes that the political protests are necessary to keep democracy alive.

“We’re not a small minority of people,” said Wilkewitz. “We’re gonna get out there and we’re gonna do what we can.”

According to the 50501 website, the next wave of protests is scheduled for May 1. For more information, visit May Day Strong.