Protesters were opposing President Trump's deportation policies, government funding cuts including to Social Security and health programs, threats to civil liberties such as due process rights, and executive overreach including court defiance and agency shutdowns.

The protests took place nationwide, with over 700 events held across all 50 states and U.S. territories as part of the '50501' movement, which was carefully coordinated with resources such as Google Maps for local events and printable posters.

The protests were held on April 19, 2025, to coincide symbolically with the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, drawing parallels between historical resistance to tyranny and current opposition to Trump's administration.

Protesters expressed concerns about actions they viewed as threats to constitutional rights and checks and balances, including the creation of what some described as a 'police state,' the defiance of courts, the kidnapping of students, and the erosion of protections and federal safety-net programs.

Kilmar Ábrego García was a wrongful deportation case that became a focal point during the protests, symbolizing broader concerns about the Trump administration's immigration policies and enforcement tactics, though specific details about his case were highlighted as part of the opposition's message.