Inglewood, Compton Residents Join Nationwide Protests While Building Community Support

Dozens of Inglewood and Compton residents participated in demonstrations across Los Angeles County this weekend as part of nationwide protests against the Trump administration, with local organizers focusing on community support initiatives alongside traditional rallies.

The protests, part of a coordinated “day of action” by the 50501 Movement, included a Saturday morning gathering at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles where several Inglewood community groups were represented.

“We want to make sure our community’s voice is heard on issues that directly affect us, from immigration policies to funding for education and housing,” said Mariana Rodriguez, an Inglewood resident who helped coordinate local participation. “This isn’t just about protesting—it’s about building stronger communities to withstand these challenges.”

The nationwide demonstrations, which took place in hundreds of cities across the country, followed earlier “Hands Off!” protests on April 5, which also saw significant participation from South LA communities. The movement has expanded to include community service activities alongside traditional protests.

In Inglewood, a food drive organized by the Inglewood Mutual Aid Collective at Rogers Park Community Center collected donations for families affected by rising prices and economic uncertainty. Organizers connected this local effort to the broader national movement.

“When we talk about resistance, it’s not just about marching in the streets,” said James Washington, coordinator of the Inglewood food drive. “It’s about making sure our neighbors have food on their tables, especially as many families struggle with higher grocery costs in the wake of new tariffs and economic policies.”

The 50501 Movement describes itself as a decentralized network guided by four principles: supporting democracy, preserving the Constitution, opposing executive overreach, and maintaining non-violence. The name refers to its first nationwide protest that aimed for actions in all 50 states.

Compton City Councilmember Tana McCoy attended a separate rally at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, where she addressed concerns about federal funding cuts that could impact local programs.

“Many of the services our residents depend on—from education to housing assistance to healthcare—could be threatened by these policies,” McCoy said. “It’s important for communities like ours to stand together and make our priorities known.”

Some protesters expressed specific concerns about the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose case has resonated with many immigrant families in the Inglewood and Compton communities. Others focused on potential cuts to education funding that could affect local schools.

“As a teacher at Inglewood High School, I’m deeply concerned about what these federal policy changes could mean for our students,” said Robert Chen, who attended the downtown rally with several colleagues. “Many of our educational programs depend on federal support.”

According to organizers, the protests will continue with additional events planned throughout the coming weeks, including a community forum on immigration rights scheduled for next Saturday at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood.

This story builds on reporting from NPR and incorporates local information gathered by Inglewood Times staff.