Thousands Rallying Today at ‘No Kings,’ Anti-Trump Protests in Southern California
Introduction to the Protests
Thousands of people are rallying at dozens of demonstrations around Southern California today as part of a massive, nationwide “No Kings Day of Defiance” protest against President Trump and his policies. More than 1,500 events are being held nationwide, and demonstrations are taking place throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. A complete list can be found here.
The Reason Behind the Protests
The “No Kings Day” protests across the country coincide with a military parade the Trump administration is organizing on Flag Day in Washington, D.C., to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. It’s also Trump’s birthday, and his critics hope to send a clear message: “In America, we don’t do kings,” according to Indivisible, the progressive organization behind “No Kings Day.”
Protest Scenes Across Southern California
By around 9:40 a.m., thousands of people had already amassed at Long Beach’s Bixby Park, with the crowd lining both sides of Ocean Boulevard for several blocks in either direction. Protesters were jubilant and defiant, holding signs saying “Stop racism,” “No kings,” and “No one is illegal on stolen lands.” Many of the signs attacked the Trump administration for the federal immigration raids conducted around Southern California and elsewhere this past week.
Sarah Bettendorf came to the sprawling Long Beach rally in Lady Liberty attire. “Lady Liberty stands for kindness, compassion, and hope,” she said. “We’re here to say no to the haters. We’re here to stand up for Constitutional Rights and protect all immigrants, because it is important to remember that there are no kings and that we all have rights.”
Law Enforcement and Protest Preparations
Law enforcement agencies across the region are on heightened alert for the planned protests, including a large rally expected outside Los Angeles City Hall. By 9:50 a.m., just before the protest’s scheduled start time, the crowd in downtown LA had grown significantly—thousands filled Grand Park and spilled out onto both sides of North Spring Street.
Diverse Voices at the Protests
Among the demonstrators was Alicia Bleier, a retired business owner from Silver Lake, who said she joined out of “outrage at how the federal government is overstepping their bounds and politicizing what shouldn’t be politicized.” Standing beside her was her friend Lucy Salcedo, a longtime LA Unified teacher. She said she’s been devastated since one of her first-grade students and his mother were deported more than a week ago.
Trump Administration’s Shift in Deportation Policy
The Trump administration has abruptly shifted the focus of its mass deportation campaign, telling Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to largely pause raids and arrests in the agricultural industry and at hotels and restaurants. “Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” President Donald Trump said in a Thursday social media post.
Counter-Protests and Community Responses
A planned protest in Huntington Beach drew a heavy presence of Trump supporters Saturday morning, an hour before the scheduled noon start time. By 11 a.m., dozens of vehicles flying Trump 2024 flags had lined the streets near the pier, with supporters waving flags, honking horns, and walking down Main and PCH. The counter-presence appeared to outnumber early arrivals for the protest.
Curfews and Security Measures
The 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for a one-square-mile section of downtown Los Angeles after a week of protests against federal immigration raids will remain in place today. The curfew affects a portion downtown between the 5 and 110 freeways, and from the 10 Freeway to where the 5 and 110 merge. The area includes Skid Row, Chinatown, and the Arts and Fashion districts.
Conclusion
The "No Kings Day" protests mark a significant moment in the ongoing debate about immigration policies, presidential power, and the role of activism in American democracy. As thousands rally across Southern California and the nation, their message of defiance and call for constitutional rights underscores the deep divisions and challenges facing the country.
FAQs
- Q: What is the "No Kings Day of Defiance" protest about?
- A: The protest is against President Trump and his policies, coinciding with a military parade on Flag Day and Trump’s birthday, to send a message that "In America, we don’t do kings."
- Q: How many events are part of the "No Kings Day" nationwide?
- A: More than 1,500 events are being held nationwide.
- Q: What is the significance of the military parade on Flag Day?
- A: The parade marks the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and coincides with Trump’s birthday.
- Q: What has been the response of law enforcement to the planned protests?
- A: Law enforcement agencies are on heightened alert, with preparations for large rallies, including one outside Los Angeles City Hall.
- Q: What is the "50501 Movement" mentioned in the context of the protests?
- A: The 50501 Movement stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement, aimed at supporting democracy and opposing what they call authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.
