A grassroots protest group, calling itself the 50501 Movement — short for “50 states, 50 protests, one day” — organized demonstrations across the country Wednesday.

Organizers have shared protest locations on Instagram, Reddit, and other social media platforms, with events planned at state capitols and other key sites.

Fresno Protesters Focus on Palestine, Anti-Deportation

In Fresno, a protest focused on Gaza and the West Bank brought out demonstrators holding signs addressing genocide, anti-deportation policies, and the conflict in the region.

The demonstration, organized by Raza Against War, took place outside the Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse, where dozens gathered in support.

Lori Garcia, a member of Raza Against War, said frustration has been mounting. “I think people are frustrated and angry and outraged. This has been going on for 15 months now, she said. “People are fed up.”

Though smaller than protests in Sacramento, Tampa, or Los Angeles, organizers said the turnout signaled a presence for Fresno.

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Protests Comes After Trump Says He Wants to ‘Take Over’ Gaza

The demonstrations come after former President Donald Trump suggested the United States should “take over” Gaza and permanently resettle its Palestinian residents.

Speaking at a White House news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a plan for the U.S. to build new settlements for Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip and redevelop the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio walked back Trump’s plan on Wednesday, saying that the White House’s proposal involved the temporary relocation of Palestinians while Gaza undergoes U.S.-led reconstruction.

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Trump’s proposal was swiftly rejected by both American allies and adversaries.

Dr. Mohammad Shaikh, a physician at Clovis Community Hospital, took time from his lunch break to join the protest.

“We’re all human, ultimately. We all suffer the same injuries, we all bleed the same,” he said. “We’re all human and try to keep that sympathy and that empathy alive.”

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Rallies Happening Across United States

Many of the protests, organized largely online, are happening Wednesday at state capitols, with some taking place in other cities.

Flyers circulating on social media denounce Project 2025, a hard-right blueprint for American government and society, with messages such as “Reject fascism” and “Defend our democracy.”

Hundreds are also rallying in Washington, D.C., in support of USAID, as the Trump administration moves to dismantle the agency.

The decision has sent U.S. workers around the world scrambling to pack up households and shutter the institution’s six-decade mission.

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In California, demonstrators are expected to gather at the state Capitol in Sacramento, according to Reddit users.

Organizers on the platform confirmed the protest was scheduled to begin at noon Wednesday on N Street between 12th and 13th streets.

In Los Angeles, demonstrators planned to gather at City Hall’s Park Center at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Additional protests may take place at city halls in other locations.

While the scale of participation is uncertain, the movement has gained traction online, drawing attention from activists nationwide.

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