Hands Off: Iowa City Turned Out in Force

On April 5, 2025, more than 1,000 people filled the streets of downtown Iowa City for the Hands Off rally. It was one of thousands of protests held nationwide that day, and Johnson County’s turnout sent an unmistakable message: this community will not stand by while our rights and public institutions are dismantled.

Downtown Iowa City, Shoulder to Shoulder

The rally began at Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, where a stage was set up for speakers. Iowa City Police blocked off a stretch of Iowa Avenue to accommodate the crowd, which spilled across sidewalks and into the street. Protesters of all ages showed up, from young children to retirees, carrying signs addressing everything from federal funding cuts to immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights.

After the speeches, the crowd marched through downtown, chanting and drawing attention from passersby and local businesses.

Local Leaders Spoke Up

The rally featured speakers from across Johnson County and the statehouse:

Iowa Senator Janice Weiner encouraged attendees to call Iowa’s congressional delegation every day.
Iowa House Rep. Adam Zabner spoke about DOGE funding cuts and urged people to get involved in local elections.
Johnson County Supervisor Mandi Remington addressed the crowd on the importance of local government accountability.
Mayor Pro-Tem Mazahir Salih and Iowa City Council member Oliver Weilein represented city leadership.
Patrick Kearns, a VA nurse and union president, spoke about the impact of federal cuts on veterans’ healthcare.
Representatives from the Iowa City Federation of Labor, ACLU, Food and Water Watch, and USAID were also present.

Part of Something Bigger

Iowa City’s rally was one of at least 17 held across Iowa that day, from Red Oak to Davenport. Nationally, the Hands Off movement brought hundreds of thousands of people into the streets in what became one of the largest single days of protest against the Trump administration.

In the News

Local and regional outlets covered the Iowa City rally:

Get Involved

The energy from Hands Off showed what’s possible when people come together. Keep it going:

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Thank you to everyone who showed up and to the organizers who made it happen. Over a thousand people standing together in downtown Iowa City is proof that this community is paying attention and ready to fight back.