Progressive group The Indivisible 45 holds protest every Monday in Brea

Michael O'Neal holds a sign during a protest held by The Indivisible 45 in Brea on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)
Michael O'Neal holds a sign during a protest held by The Indivisible 45 in Brea on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)

By Josh Henderson
Posted: March 12, 2026 / 10:01 AM PST

The Indivisible 45, a grassroots progressive group based out of Southern California, has been holding consistent weekly rallies as part of a self-described effort to protect democracy and resist authoritarianism.

Every Monday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Imperial Highway and State College Boulevard in Brea, members of The Indivisible 45 hold a protest, and according to their calendar, the routine has been going on since March 24, 2025, with no signs of stopping. 

In addition to weekly protests in Brea, the group holds monthly meetings every fourth Saturday in Fullerton and is a part of a larger Indivisible nationwide network that includes such nearby cities as Orange, Buena Park, Cypress and many others.

Although local protests can vary in size, The Indivisible is no small entity: On April 5, 2025, the group was part of more than 6,000 protesters who gathered in Santa Ana for a National Day of Action to help bring awareness to what they described as the decay of democracy. 

Michael O'Neal, 40, has been protesting with The Indivisible 45 for four months and urges younger folks to get involved. 

"We would hope that they realize their position, their power to control their own future, and increase voter rolls, register to vote, get out and support whoever they want to support, but to protect democracy," said O'Neal. 

Diana Guerin (right) and her family are seen holding posters in Brea on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)Diana Guerin (right) and her family are seen holding posters in Brea on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)

Diana Guerin, 70, joined the local effort to help protest against the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis and the increased presence of immigration enforcement. 

"I'm coming out, because I am concerned about what ICE is doing," said Guerin. "I'm retired. I should come out and try to encourage other people to pay attention."

Another local protester, 65-year-old Jack Cornejo, said his experience living in Guatemala has helped empower his recent activism.

"I experienced firsthand oppressive government, fascism and authoritarianism. Authorities being aligned to themselves and not responding to the needs of the people. Unfortunately, what I see with the current administration is all the signs and touchstones of that sort of government," said Cornejo, who has a message for future generations:

"I want the young people to know that we care for them," Cornejo said. "We're doing it for ourselves at the present time, but we're also doing it for the future generations. We want to make sure they have a free country to live in. They can speak their piece and not worry about being jailed or anything like that."

Protesters said they are welcoming of new members and more information, including upcoming events, can be found at indivisibleca45.org.

Jack Cornejo showcases hand-made posters at a Brea protest held on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)Jack Cornejo showcases hand-made posters at a Brea protest held on Feb. 23, 2026. (Josh Henderson)

Josh Henderson is a journalism major at Mt. San Antonio College and part of the Community Groundwork 2025 Journalism School cohort. He's also a reporter for SAC Media and is interested in producing and editing all types of media and becoming a public persona. His story is published as part of the CG Newswriting Lab, a chance for students to work alongside industry professionals to report, write and publish an original news story.