Demonstrations

 

On April 5, 2025, Lubbock, Texas, participated in the nationwide “Hands Off!” protest — part of a massive, coordinated day of action in all 50 states opposing the policies of President Donald Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk. Despite an unexpected snowfall, local demonstrators gathered at the Tim Cole Memorial near University Avenue and 19th Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., joining more than 1,400 protests held across the country.

The protests focused on what organizers described as authoritarian overreach and the dismantling of key social services under the Trump-Musk administration. Much of the national concern has centered on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Musk-led initiative which has drawn sharp criticism for pushing to defund Social Security, Medicare, public education, and other foundational programs.

“NO KING.”

In Lubbock, protestors carried signs with messages such as “Stop Musk Coup,” “Hands Off Our Democracy,” and “Hands Off! Social Security, Medicare, Education, Freedom.” Others referenced broader democratic concerns with slogans like “No King” and “Education Not Deportation.” One phrase widely seen across the country — “This is not a left or right moment. It is a right or wrong moment” — echoed the words of U.S. Senator Cory Booker, whose quote has become a rallying cry for the movement.

The Lubbock protest was peaceful and aligned with the broader tone of nonviolent civic demonstration seen nationwide. Participants stood in solidarity with those in larger cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where turnout was reported in the tens of thousands. Photos and videos of signs, marches, and rallies quickly flooded social media under the hashtag #HandsOff.

“HANDS OFF OUR DEMOCRACY.”

Organizers say the movement represents a critical effort to defend democratic norms and public infrastructure against what they view as an unprecedented concentration of political and economic power. The April 5 protests marked one of the largest collective responses to Trump’s return to office, with millions mobilizing to voice concern over the administration’s agenda.

Lubbock joined a chorus of Texas cities as residents gathered in a peaceful but powerful protest in response to the recent immigration enforcement actions carried out across the state. Demonstrators held signs critical of President Donald Trump and proudly celebrated their heritage — many draped in red, green, and white, the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag.

The protest was part of a statewide response following targeted operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which began just a week prior. These operations, rooted in Trump’s campaign pledge to crack down on undocumented immigration, led to the arrest of dozens of individuals in areas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley.

“No human is illegal.”

For many in Lubbock, the gathering was about more than policy — it was about people, identity, and solidarity. Families, students, activists, and allies came together to express both frustration and hope, their voices rising in chants that echoed through the streets and parks where the demonstration took place.

Signs bore messages like “No human is illegal,” “Protect our families,” and “Here to stay,” while others called for unity, justice, and compassion. Some protesters wrapped themselves in serapes or waved Mexican flags alongside American ones, sending a clear message: this is home.

Speakers emphasized the importance of civic engagement, voting, and standing in support of neighbors whose lives have been affected by the shifting landscape of immigration policy. Organizers pointed out the need to remain vigilant and involved in both local and national conversations, especially as enforcement efforts continue to unfold.

Throughout the demonstration, one idea stood out above all: we are stronger together. Community members came together from all walks of life to show that when it comes down to it, we are all immigrants — tied together by shared hopes, histories, and a belief in building something better for the next generation.

In a city known for its strong community roots, the protest served as a reminder that Lubbock stands united — for one another, for heritage, and for a future rooted in dignity, compassion, and collective strength.