Hundreds of Kansas City activists participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off Day of Action’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Demonstrators gathered across the country Saturday as part of the National Hands Off Day of Action, a coordinated protest against President Donald Trump’s policies, with hundreds rallying at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City.

Protesters called for sweeping changes, including economic reform, protection of healthcare access, immigration rights, and the preservation of democracy.

“We were fighting for our future,” one protester chanted in front of the mass crowd on Saturday morning.

Jane Weiland, a demonstrator at the event, said the group is pushing back against what they see as harmful policies enacted under the Trump istration.

“We’re here to save our democracy and stop the tariffs,” Weiland said. “The tariffs are wrecking the total globe—not just our United States. They are taxes.”

Protest signs featured bold calls to defend immigration, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and workers’ rights. The demonstrations come amid rising concern over mass deportations and immigration enforcement actions. Hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants are awaiting their fate at a maximum security prison in El Salvador.

“Overall, if what’s going on doesn’t impact you—if you aren’t broken by people basically disappearing or being kidnapped off the streets with little or no due process—I think, where’s your humanity at that point?” said protester Delarosa Herbert.

Healthcare was also a central issue for many attendees.

“I’m worried about our seniors, who they’re trying to take Medicaid from, and our veterans,” said protester Shirley Caston. “All of the things he’s doing are going to impact the people who are middle class or at the bottom.”

Emily Schaeffer, another demonstrator, said she was thinking about the long-term consequences of policy decisions—particularly for her daughter.

“It’s especially important for me and my daughter because I want to make sure that she has the opportunity to vote and is not kept from the polls for something like the SAVE Act,” Schaeffer said.

Organizers say the event is just the beginning of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and push for change.

“We’re asking the community not to hide, to stand up for what the United States believes in—which is democracy,” Weiland said.

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