People from across western Massachusetts gathered to protest in Holyoke on Saturday as part of a national effort that they said is meant to defend democracy and build collective resistance to the “Trump administration’s overreach and autocracy.” The regional event, held at the Route 5 and Beech Street intersection, was cosponsored by Indivisible Northampton-Swing Left Western Mass & Defending Democracy in Hampden County.

  • John LeBlanc protests during a “Rage Against the Regime” protest at the intersection of U.S. Route 5 and Beech Street, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Holyoke. Staff Photo/Daniel Jacobi II
  • Lenny Friedlander, of Amherst, plays the melodica during a “Rage Against the Regime” protest at the intersection of U.S. Route 5 and Beech Street, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Holyoke. Staff Photo/Daniel Jacobi II
  • Protesters wave at passing cars during a “Rage Against the Regime” protest at the intersection of U.S. Route 5 and Beech Street, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Holyoke. Staff Photo/Daniel Jacobi II
  • Protesters wave at passing cars during a “Rage Against the Regime” protest at the intersection of U.S. Route 5 and Beech Street, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Holyoke. Staff Photo/Daniel Jacobi II

The intent was to transform anger into action and harness the energy of collective resistance, the sponsors said. “We will continue to make ‘good trouble’ by protesting with signs and chants against all the cruelty: the health care cuts, the ICE kidnapping of humans, attacks on veterans, crazy tariffs and high prices, attacks on media, threats to social security, attempts to choke universities and law firms, and more.”

Indivisible Northampton/Swing Left Western Massachusetts is a chapter of the national progressive grassroots movement Indivisible and the political action group Swing Left. Defending Democracy in Hampden County (http://www.ddhc.us/) aims to connect like-minded people who want to work with others who share their values to protect democracy against extremism and misinformation on the local, state and national levels.