CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Protesters gathered in Coral Springs on Saturday as part of a nationwide mobilization known as “Rage Against the Regime” — one of 300 coordinated rallies taking place across the country.
The local demonstration, held along University Drive, was organized by Joyful Resistance Indivisible in partnership with the 50501 Movement.
Protestors lined the sidewalks, many carrying signs and chanting against what they describe as authoritarian policies under the Trump administration.
“It’s not okay,” said Christine Calareso Bleecker, an attorney and lead organizer of the Coral Springs event. “So this is a great way for people to collect together. There is strength in the collective.”
The movement’s organizers say the rallies aim to “transform anger into action, harnessing the energy of collective resistance.”
They are calling attention to a broad range of issues, including the use of ICE against immigrant communities, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, attacks on transgender rights, and the dismantling of federal agencies such as the Department of Education and the National Weather Service.
“We’re seeing on the daily legal norms being ignored, additional money constantly being used for personal gain in the presidency,” Bleecker said. “And we’re saying no.”
Protestors also condemned conditions at local immigration detention centers, including the facility activists refer to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” and the use of ICE as what they describe as a political weapon.
“ICE now has the fourth largest military budget in the world, and its actions reflect an authoritarian regime where cruelty is the point, along with flagrant violations of constitutional rights and laws,” Bleecker said.
The protest included speakers, faith leaders, and residents of all ages. Sandra Korn, 83, stood outside with a sign in hand.
“I’m 83 years old. I’m kinda tired of protesting,” she said. “But I can’t not stand up, so here I am in the hot sun. Just getting my word out and hopefully people will wake up before it’s too late.”
“This is not just policy. This is deliberate cruelty,” added protester Robert Fowler.
In addition to the protest, organizers also collected school supplies on site.
“As much as we are protesting national government, state government, we also want to support our local communities,” Bleecker said. “Coral Springs doesn’t get as much love as it should. A lot of focus is on Fort Lauderdale and Miami. But there are a lot of people in the suburbs who can’t make it to protests in big cities.”
Organizers say they plan to continue their advocacy and outreach beyond the day’s demonstration.
For more information about the movement, visit rageagainsttheregime.org. To support or join future events in Coral Springs, visit mobilize.us/s/BzXaPK.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
