EL PASO — On Saturday, April 5, 2025, over 1,200 cities worldwide, including Alamogordo, participated in the massive “Hands Off!” protest, calling out policies under Elon Musk and the Trump Administration. With demonstrations stretching across the U.S. and even reaching Europe, Australia, and Asia, the event was one of the most significant mobilizations in recent years.
The event was organized by more than 150 groups, ranging from civil rights organizations to labor unions, veterans, LGBTQ+ advocates, and election rights activists. With a focus on opposition to the leadership of Musk and Trump, the rallies aimed to unite diverse communities in solidarity for their collective demands. The protests were peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests.
In Alamogordo, over 100 people gathered at the intersection of 10th Street and White Sands Boulevard. The crowd consisted of both local residents and visitors who had traveled to the area. While a few counter-protesters, including Trump supporters, were present, the demonstration remained peaceful and respectful, with no escalation in tensions.
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This event marks a continued effort by activists who have been organizing against the Trump-Musk administration’s policies since Trump’s return to office. Despite previous smaller protests, Saturday’s rally was the first mass mobilization resembling the size and energy of the iconic Women’s March of 2017.
Nationwide, around 600,000 people had signed up to attend, with organizers claiming over 5 million participants in total. These figures reflect the growing momentum behind the opposition movement. Key to the protests was Indivisible, one of the leading organizations in collaboration with others like civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, and veterans.
In San Francisco, activist Cleve Jones, best known for his creation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, attended the rally. He observed the crowd, noting a predominance of older, white individuals but also a noticeable diversity. Jones reflected on the event’s structure, highlighting challenges in acoustics and logistics. He suggested that future rallies could benefit from a more engaging march, better sound systems, and broader outreach.
Though large cities like San Francisco saw significant turnout, smaller towns also joined in. In Las Vegas, New Mexico, over 100 people braved snow to participate in their own demonstration, showing the widespread appeal of the event across all areas of the country.
Back in Alamogordo, the peaceful protest demonstrated the strength of local activism. The Alamogordo Police Department reported no incidents of violence or property damage. Social media posts from local organizers captured some of the event’s powerful moments, showcasing the diversity and unity of those who came together in support of the protest’s message.
Local organizers emphasized that the fight doesn’t end here. They are already planning for future events and call for more participation from younger generations, as the movement continues to grow.
