VIDEOPHOTOS Hands Off! rallies in SeaTac and Des Moines draw big crowds, protests over federal policies

On April 5, 2025, SeaTac and Des Moines became focal points for protests against federal policies impacting education, immigration, and workers' rights, with around 1,000 demonstrators in SeaTac and 400 in Des Moines. These rallies were part of the nationwide "Hands Off! " movement, organized by a coalition of labor unions and endorsed by numerous organizations. Key speakers included local leaders and civil rights advocates who addressed issues such as the abolition of the Department of Education and the treatment of immigrants in federal detention centers. Following speeches, SeaTac protesters peacefully marched to the Federal Detention Center, blocking traffic briefly to voice their concerns.

The protests aimed to draw attention to the administration's policies that many believe undermine public services and civil rights. Organizers expressed a commitment to continue these actions to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. These demonstrations are part of a broader series taking place in approximately 1,500 cities across the nation. This united front seeks to push back against what are perceived as escalating attacks on working-class individuals and vulnerable populations.