-Editorial
Dozens of residents gathered on Saturday at the corner of Main Street and Imperial Avenue in front of the El Centro Post Office for the “Hands Off!” rally, organized to protest against what participants called harmful Republican-led efforts targeting essential public services.
The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., was organized by Democrats United Imperial Valley in collaboration with the Imperial County Democratic Central Committee, Valle Brilla, and IV for Human Rights. Organizers and attendees voiced concern over perceived threats to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans services, unions, agriculture, and immigrant communities.
Speakers at the rally criticized President Donald Trump and prominent allies, including Elon Musk, for policies they claim endanger healthcare access, workers’ rights, and economic stability in Imperial County. The demonstration emphasized the need to protect the region’s resources and uphold support for working families, seniors, and underserved populations.
Among at Saturday’s rally was local attorney Carlos Acuña, who delivered a passionate critique of the current political climate under President Donald Trump’s influence.
“This is one of the most unconstitutional governments I’ve ever seen,” Acuña said. “Trump, by challenging the legitimacy of the other branches of government, has destroyed his claims to legitimacy. That’s what makes him so dangerous. At this point, he’s a dictator. That’s fascism.”
Acuña also raised concerns over immigration enforcement tactics and judicial impartiality. “They’re deporting people without giving them a chance to demonstrate their status. Just because someone has a tattoo, they’re being picked off the streets and sent to detention centers we’re paying for. It’s outrageous,” he said.
He also criticized the U.S. Supreme Court, calling it a “partisan court” and pointing to corporate influence in policymaking. “Sadly, what we’re seeing in Congress is the same. Congress is nothing but a policy laundromat. Corporate policy — made by corporations — is laundered through Congress and turned into law. That’s ridiculous.”
Carmen Valencia, a lifelong resident of El Centro, joined Saturday’s protest to express her anger at the current state of national politics. “Everything is wrong in our government right now, and it’s because of Trump and Elon Musk,” Valencia said. “Both of them need to go. We need to get our country back on track.” She criticized Musk’s involvement in politics, stating, “He has no business in our government and doesn’t even know what he’s doing. All he’s causing is chaos.”
Raymond Valencia, a resident of El Centro, voiced deep concern about the direction of the country.
“They’re destroying our democracy and our economic way of life,” Valencia said, referring to President Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk. “They’ve turned their backs on allies like Ukraine. That’s not the way our country should work.” Valencia, who relies on Social Security and Medicare, added, “I’m 67 years old—I shouldn’t have to worry about losing the support I’ve earned.”
