FORT BRAGG, CA., 1/21/26 — Residents and visitors on the Mendocino coast gathered in Fort Bragg and Mendocino to join the “Free America Walkout” Tuesday afternoon as part of coordinated protests across the country. More than 100 people gathered on the lawn of Fort Bragg’s Guest House Museum before marching through downtown to U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman’s Fort Bragg district office, located in the historic Old Fort Building on Franklin Street next to City Hall.
Demonstrators of all ages walked out of work, left their homes or joined while visiting town, carrying signs and chanting as drivers honked in support. Organizers said the event was structured to allow workers to participate close to where they live and work. The nationwide action coincided with the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s return to office and was intended to highlight opposition to the administration’s policies and express concerns about civil liberties and democratic norms.
Amanda Michaels of Fort Bragg attended with her daughter Emerald Forrester. “My daughter heard about the walkout and was worried about our neighbors and how this affects our local community,” Michaels said. “She’s concerned about people being taken off the streets and whether her friends and their families will be safe.”
Fort Bragg City Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith, who observed the gathering while heading into a meeting nearby at City Hall, said she hoped to see continued public engagement. “I know it’s a workday, and not nearly enough people were able to come,” Albin-Smith said. “But this needs to happen more often — every day — until change is made. It’s not just our town that’s impacted. It’s our world.”
Among those watching the march was Rose D., of Benicia, who was visiting Fort Bragg with her husband when protesters passed by, chanting, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go.”
“Yes, he has to go,” she said. “He’s trying to take over everything — other people and other countries. We should leave them alone unless they ask for our help. Taking over Greenland? Who does that?”
Hendrick Idzerda of Ft. Bragg said, “ I am here to support this walkout effort and to stand in memory of Renée Good.” Renée Good was a 37‑year‑old American woman who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 7, 2026.
Several participants said they were motivated by concerns about violence, discrimination and democratic backsliding.
Emma Chambers, 18, of Fort Bragg, said she and her friend Aislinn Quigley, 20, walked out of work to join the protest. “People aren’t understanding what’s really going on,” Chambers said. “People are being harmed for no reason.”
Quigley said she attended to support those facing discrimination. “This is what we can do,” she said. “Come together as a community and raise our voices.”
Margaret Stover, 76, of Little River, said she drove to Fort Bragg to attend the protest because she is concerned for future generations. “I’m here for my grandchildren,” Stover said. “I don’t want them to live under fascism. I want them to live free.”
Erica Pyorre, 48, a Fort Bragg resident, said she also walked out of work Tuesday to attend and show support of immigrant friends and neighbors. “I am here to stand up against fascism, Trump and this corrupt administration.”
The rally began with a moment of silence as participants stood in a line holding signs labeled “Signs of Fascism,” addressing themes including government accountability, treatment of minorities, data transparency and the use of military force against civilians.
After marching downtown, demonstrators gathered outside Rep. Jared Huffman’s Fort Bragg office, where they were met by field representative Jez Anderson, who greeted the group and distributed a written statement from the congressman.
In his statement Huffman said, “I am in Washington this week, but I join with all of you in opposing the corruption, cruelty and recklessness of Donald Trump and his administration… Our democracy, fundamental rights, and the livability of our planet are under assault right now, and each of us has an important role to play in meeting this moment. Rest assured that I will continue leading the fight in Washington to defend the laws, policies and institutions we count on for a functioning democracy. The power of civic engagement and public opinion is perhaps our greatest bulwark against fascism, so I am especially grateful for all of my constituents who are peacefully mobilizing to make your voices heard.“
Rep-Huffman-statement-Jan-20-2026Anderson announced that the congressman planned to release a video statement on his social media channels later Tuesday, and she encouraged constituents to submit comment cards outlining their concerns. She passed around cards for constituents to fill out and send to the congressman while explaining her role as a field representative, noting that she can assist with requests and concerns. Huffman’s Fort Bragg office serves as a local constituent service location where staff helps with federal issues — for example, assistance with Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passports, federal agencies and more.
In Mendocino, organizers said more than 40 people gathered in solidarity with the Fort Bragg walkout, holding a parallel demonstration timed to allow the town’s workers to participate.
Imagine the tens of dollars lost in labor output for the 5% that have jobs
These people are hardly representative of coastal residents. I suggest you interview members of the working class to get their views. And publish them with the same enthusiasm you did for these people.