Editor’s note: Video from a previous “Hands Off” protest in El Paso on April 5.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Almost every weekend, communities across the nation have seen protests erupt against the Trump Administration and its policies.
El Paso has been no different with several large protests happening on Saturdays during the past month and a half.
This Saturday, April 26 about 150 people gathered at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso as part of a nationwide series of protests called Rise Up.
Similar “Rise Up” protests are happening all over the country this Saturday.
“This event aims to stand against the latest actions of the Trump Administration that many Americans view as undermining the core tenets of our democratic system. As public trust falters and divisive rhetoric escalates, El Pasosans and others from across the Borderland will gather to reclaim their voices as programs that Americans have previously had available are stripped for President Trump, Elon Musk and other billionaires to receive tax incentives,” local organizers said in a news release.
Organizers said that the rally would feature speakers speaking on diverse topics like education, disability rights, veterans affairs, unions and the LGBTQ+ community.
Attendees were also able to register to vote and sign up to volunteer for other initiatives at the rally, organizers said.
Terri Junco said she attended the rally to protest “many things.”
“I don’t want cuts in Medicare or Medicaid,” she said. “I have a son with cystic fibrosis and he receives government assistance because of his medications are thousands and thousands of dollars.
“He’s hard-working man, but no one can afford those prices,” she said. “I don’t want government to meddle in what books we have in our libaries or cutting away at day care for children.”
Michael Aboud, chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, said protesters at gatherings like this don’t care what the issues are or care that they are the “wrong side of the these issues.”
He said that protesters across the country are part of a coordinated network of “fake protesters” who are paid.
He also questioned why there weren’t protests when Bill Clinton or Barack Obama were president.
“Why didn’t these groups protest Presidents Bill Clinton or Barack Obama when they said they were implementing stricter Border Crossing rules and laws,” Aboud said in part in a statement sent to KTSM.
“Essentially, what these protesters are saying is that they want criminal gang members to come to the USA and stay here,” he added. “What kind of silly thought process is being used?”
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