Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Protesters gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday as part of the nationwide 50501 Movement, demonstrating against moves taken by President Donald Trump in his first weeks in office. The movement saw similar protests in capital cities and other locations across the country. The numbers 50501 stand for 50 states, 50 protests, one day.

Carrying signs with messages such as “Deport Elon,” “Resist Tyranny,” and “Dissent is Patriotic,” Springfield demonstrators voiced their opposition to the administration’s policies and appointments. Skye, an organizer of the event who preferred not to share her last name, described the movement as a grassroots effort led by American citizens. She noted that the group has partnered with Political Revolution, a like-minded organization advocating for government accountability.

Among the protesters’ demands were calls for Trump to step down or face impeachment, thorough investigations into his appointees, and an inquiry into Elon Musk’s role within the U.S. government. They urged the reversal or repeal of executive orders perceived as infringing on citizen and human rights. Protesters also called for strengthened laws against hate speech, a ban on Nazi propaganda and salutes, and the reinstatement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Lukas Broussard, who traveled from Rockford to attend the protest, talked about the personal impact of Trump’s actions. “The administration’s push for the erasure of trans people hit hard with me since I am trans and have a lot of people in my life who are trans,” she said. “I feel like if we go after one protected class, it just leaves the door open for everyone else to just go down the line. It is really hard for me to just sit down and watch it happen.”

Karla Antevaros, who came from Peoria to participate in the protest, said “His campaign was so full of hate and racism, and a lot of people were okay with it. That’s what’s terrifying to us.” She added, “That’s why we’re out here in the cold, making sure that people hear us and see that there are a lot of us who love them. We want immigrants here, we want our LGBTQ community to be safe, and we want women’s rights to be protected.”

Seirra Helmer, a nurse, also highlighted her concerns. “I take care of people, and the state of our country right now is scary. I worry about the people I care for, my own life, my friends who are immigrants, and the state of women’s rights.”