From left, Lifespire Local President Nicole David, Lifespire Local Treasurer Angela Vasquez, Health Research, Inc. Local member Deborah Quinones, and New York Metropolitan Retirees Local activist Althea Green march down Fifth Avenue during the Hands Off march.
MANHATTAN — In a historic show of dissent, millions of Americans, including thousands of public employees, participated in “Hands Off” protests across all 50 states on April 5.
CSEA Metropolitan Region members and staff joined in the “Hands Off” protest in Manhattan.
The demonstrations, which also drew thousands of people in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and other communities in New York, represent the largest single-day nationwide protest against the policies of the Trump administration.
According to organizers, more than 1,400 actions took place under the “Hands Off!” banner, drawing about 3 million participants. The coordinated day of protest was backed by a coalition of more than 150 organizations, including progressive advocacy groups, labor unions, pro-democracy coalitions, civil rights organizations, and groups representing LGBTQ+ and women’s rights.
Public sector unions played a prominent role in the mobilization, citing concerns about deep funding cuts, federal workforce reductions and ongoing threats to collective bargaining rights. Many protesters pointed to recent restructuring initiatives led by Elon Musk, which have resulted in layoffs, downsizing of agencies, and what labor leaders describe as the erosion of public service infrastructure.
“Federal workers are being scapegoated while vital services are being dismantled,” said CSEA SUNY Downstate Local President Jonathan Brown. “We are standing up to defend not only our jobs, but the public institutions that millions of Americans rely on every day.”
Protesters also condemned the administration’s broad policy agenda, including global tariffs seen as destabilizing, stepped-up immigration enforcement efforts, reversals in LGBTQ+ protections, proposed changes to Social Security and cuts to health care and research funding.
“Following the family tradition of activism, I decided to stand with my CSEA union brothers and sisters at the “Hands Off March,” said Deborah Quiñones, a public health representative at Health Research, Inc. (HRI). “I believe in the power of our community for protect our hard-fought rights.”
Participants also voiced alarm at what they perceive as growing authoritarian tendencies within the executive branch and a shift toward prioritizing corporate and billionaire interests over the public good.
In Washington, D.C., federal workers marched alongside community members, sending what organizers called a “clear message” about the value of government service and the importance of democratic norms.
“Hands Off” campaign organizers say the demonstrations are only the beginning of sustained efforts to increase pressure on policymakers and mobilize ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
— David Galarza
