One hundred-plus rally in Three Rivers as part of national ‘Hands Off’ protests

More than 150 people gathered in downtown Three Rivers on Saturday as part of a locally organized “Hands Off” protest, joining a national movement to voice opposition to recent federal policies enacted under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Three Rivers demonstration was one of 1,400 “Hands Off” locations nationwide, according to organizers, with millions of people participating across the country. The coordinated effort, known as “50501″ — representing 50 protests in 50 states under one movement — was organized to express concern over what participants describe as harmful policy shifts.

“This event was about letting people use their power and their voice to show resistance to what’s going on,” said Ben Karle, one of the local organizers. “I’m really concerned about the impact this administration is having on marginalized populations, on everyday citizens who are struggling economically, and with civil rights being infringed upon. But I’m also very inspired — there are a lot of people resisting.”

The protest drew people from throughout St. Joseph County and surrounding areas, many of whom expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s approach to governance, citing issues such as tariffs, budget cuts, education policy changes, and a disregard for legal norms.

“I think the tariffs are the most recent concern, but I’m also very worried about the indiscriminate cuts,” said Julie Evans of Centreville. “I doubt that any tax cuts will benefit working people. Doing all of this in just 60 days shows very little understanding of what these federal programs actually do.”

John Barnes, a lawyer by profession from Three Rivers, criticized what he views as authoritarian tendencies within the administration.

“I’m concerned about the destruction of American government and the rule of law,” he said. “The executive branch is supposed to enforce laws — not ignore or break them. This is a dangerous subversion of public consciousness.”

Other protesters cited more personal consequences of federal changes. Ellie Snow, a Centreville resident, said the administration’s impact on the Department of Education led to the closure of her daughter’s daycare. 

Naomi Wenger of Three Rivers said the changes strike at the heart of the nation’s values.

“Our soul as a nation is being contested,” Wenger said. “We want to be a loving community, but we’re being asked to support policies that do the opposite. It’s an assault on who we are.”

John Coomer of Sturgis, a longtime Republican voter, said the Trump presidency changed his political views entirely.

“I’ve voted Republican for 46 years,” said Coomer, 80. “But I’ll never vote Republican again. They had the chance to remove him when he was impeached, and they didn’t. That was the last straw.”

Looking ahead, organizers plan to work with River Country Solidarity and the St. Joseph County Democratic Party to continue mobilizing and building local support.

“Today was about getting people together, encouraging each other, and beginning to plan,” Karle said. “There’s more work to do.”

Najifa Farhat is a staff-reporter with Watershed Voice.