On Saturday, April 5, around 400 demonstrators gathered in the Ajijic plaza to peacefully voice their opposition to the policies and actions of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The event was part of the “Hands Off!” movement, which saw more than 1,400 rallies across all 50 states in the U.S., as well as in Guadalajara, Canadian provinces, and European capitals like London, Berlin, Paris, and Lisbon.
Organized by the Lake Chapala chapter of Democrats Abroad, the Ajijic rally began with a rendition of “This Land is Your Land,” followed by expressions of gratitude toward Mexico for being a welcoming country to foreign visitors and immigrants. A mention of President Claudia Sheinbaum sparked a round of enthusiastic applause.
Rally organizers explained that the demonstration was held in accordance with the rights to freedom of expression outlined in the Mexican Constitution, as well as a permit granted by the Chapala government.
A series of brief speeches addressed concerns over the Trump administration’s threats to democracy, Social Security and healthcare benefits, and human rights.
Participants held a variety of hand-lettered and pre-printed signs expressing their personal views on what many see as government overreach. Signs included humorous messages such as “Hands Off the Penguins!” and “I’ve Seen Smarter Cabinets at IKEA.”
As promised, the rally remained peaceful and concluded in just 50 minutes. U.S. citizens in attendance were encouraged to contact their representatives on Capitol Hill to oppose the passage of the SAVE Act, cuts to Social Security, and other legislative initiatives outlined on www.5Calls.org.
Organizers of the “Hands Off” movement in the U.S. estimate that more than three million people participated in protests in both red and blue states, with thousands more joining from abroad. The rallies were backed by a nationwide coalition that includes civil rights organizations, veterans’ groups, women’s rights advocates, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ organizations.