ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — North School Park came alive Saturday as local residents gathered to take part in the national “Hands Off” day of action, joining a wave of demonstrations across the country aimed at defending human rights, democracy, and community values.
Under mild spring skies, a bit overcast but far from unpleasant, attendees stood together holding signs that read “Protect Our Rights,” “This Is What Democracy Looks Like,” and “Stop the Takeover.” The crowd’s voice rose together in steady rhythm:
“Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!
The Arlington Heights protest was organized by Ruth Miller, who saw it as an opportunity for local voices to be heard as part of a broader movement.
“There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to the policies and actions that we oppose,” Miller said. “I think that every person out there has something personal that they’re fighting for and rallying against.”
While the issues may stretch from Washington to Silicon Valley, Miller stressed that protests like this are also about what’s happening closer to home.
“This isn’t something that is going to be solved after one or two protests. But we need to keep showing up. We need to send the message that this is not okay.”
Coordination, Communication, and Community Watchfulness
Planning the event had its challenges. Miller noted that without RSVPs, it was difficult to communicate with participants in advance.
“If people don’t RSVP — and most don’t — it’s impossible to communicate,” Miller said in a message sent.
Miller also encountered some early confusion about who in the Village they should coordinate with, but eventually connected with Sgt. Mike Orlando and Brian Clarke of the Arlington Heights Police Department.
“They were helpful and respectful,” Miller said.
Before the rally began, this reporter drove to the top level of the parking garage next to North School Park, suspecting a law enforcement presence might be stationed above. That assumption proved correct. Several individuals could be seen observing the scene, including Village Manager Randy Recklaus.
A Watchful Eye in the Sky
In addition to the visible law enforcement presence around the park and on the garage rooftop, a drone was observed in the air during the protest, operated by the Arlington Heights Police Department.
While no confrontations or escalations occurred, the drone’s presence added a layer of modern surveillance to an otherwise peaceful gathering. It was not immediately clear what data was being collected or how it would be used.
Local Officials Watch — Some More Supportively Than Others
Village President Tom Hayes made an appearance at the protest, though not as a supporter.
“I did see Mayor Hayes at the protest and spoke with him. He was rude and made it clear he was not there to support our efforts,” protest organizer Miller wrote in an email.
Despite that, many residents turned out in a show of solidarity and concern. Among them was Marc Scheinbaum, a retired attorney, who expressed deep unease with the current administration.
Standing Together, Looking Ahead
The protest remained peaceful and focused. There were no counter-protesters, and passing cars frequently honked in support. Attendees spanned a range of ages and backgrounds—from longtime activists to first-time demonstrators—united in their desire to be heard and seen.
