SEASIDE >> Workers, immigrants, students and families gathered at Laguna Grande Regional Park on Saturday for the May Day Strong protest rally and march, part of a nationwide day of action.

Hundreds took part in the event, jointly organized by Indivisible Monterey Bay, 50501 Monterey and Unite Monterey County. The event called for increased public investment in housing, education, health care and workers’ rights and pushed back against cuts to social safety nets under the Trump administration.

“This is very much about the current administration. People often think our message is scattered, it’s really not — the fascist regime is scattered and it’s affecting our most vulnerable communities,” said Colleen Ingram, one of the event organizers and member of Indivisible Monterey Bay and 50501 Monterey. “That’s why we’re coming together today, there’s a lot of messaging, because they (the Trump administration) are hitting everything.”

Speakers included Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew, immigration rights lawyer Adriana Melgoza, trans activist Karen Cusson and Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby. Rosalia Webster of Big Surcus emceed the event.

Many other city leaders and officials also made their way to the park Saturday, including Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson.

The protest included a march along Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, chanting and informational tables hosted by local advocacy groups. Attendees were encouraged to bring signs, chairs and non-perishable food donations for All In Monterey County.

“The goal is to get a response from 3.5 percent of the (county) population,” Ingram said. “It’s been studied that when there’s a movement, that’s the number of people it takes to inspire change.”

The protest was peaceful, with organizers emphasizing that no violence would be tolerated.

Participants called for an immediate halt to attacks on immigrants and marginalized communities, full funding for public services and strong protections for workers regardless of race or immigration status.

Lynne Haller, from Pacific Grove, said she attended her first protest two weeks ago after learning about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the 29-year-old who was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador “in error.”

“If that can happen to him, it can happen to me or anyone I know,” Haller said. “That’s not my vision for America. It seems like every day there’s something new to be outraged about, we need to get back to the rule of law.”

Demonstrators said being in a community like Monterey County, where more than 60 percent of voters chose cast their ballots for Democrats in 2024, has made them feel safer in voicing their opinions.

“I like meeting other like-minded people here,” said Nancy Kelly, from Monterey. She and her husband Rich Kelly have attended multiple demonstrations targeting the Trump Administration this year. “For us it’s about our dissatisfaction with the federal government, showing up to support the community and have our voices heard.”

Many people have turned to recurring protest events as a way to stay engaged, connected and informed. Organizers say this sustained visibility is critical as national policies continue to impact local lives — from housing and health care to education and immigration enforcement.

“I would love to see more young people out here,” said Linda Buffey, from Carmel Valley. “What this administration is doing affects us all, but for the younger generations — this could be their future. You’ve got to say something.”