Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered across Southern California on Saturday for the “No Kings Day” protests, voicing their dissent against President Trump. The rallies depicted the president as an aspiring monarch who undermines democratic norms. These protests arose amidst escalating tensions between Trump and California leaders over the deployment of military forces intended to suppress violent protests related to immigration raids.
The protests featured striking imagery, including signs referencing the nation's 1776 founding, crossed-out crowns, and a blend of American, Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran flags. Slogans such as “protest is patriotic” resonated strongly among attendees, contrasting sharply with events in Washington, D.C., where Trump’s birthday coincided with a lavish celebration for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, complete with a parade costing up to $45 million.
Michelle Verne, a 56-year-old participant marching in downtown Los Angeles alongside roughly 30,000 others, expressed her frustration: “All of our rights are being violated.” She held a laminated copy of the Constitution, its bottom shredded. Verne criticized the current administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, stating, “We’ve had other administrations deport people, but not like this.” She emphasized her love for the country, asserting, “We’re fighting for our rights.”
With over 2,000 protests scheduled nationally, Southern California saw dozens of demonstrations, the largest occurring in downtown Los Angeles. Marches were also organized in cities including Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Whittier. Social media posts showcased the festive atmosphere, with state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo dancing with protesters at Plaza Olvera. In Torrance, the impact of immigration raids felt personal for many, especially after a 9-year-old student and his father were deported to Honduras following an immigration hearing.
Laurie Pisano, a retired school librarian from Rancho Palos Verdes, shared her emotional response to the situation: “When I saw that fourth-grade boy taken from his family, it gave me chills.” She added, “Democracy is important, and that’s not what’s happening.”
In Pasadena, thousands filled the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue, leading police to close the area as participation surged. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump counter-protesters voiced their support for the president’s enforcement policies. Signs proclaiming “Make America Great Again” and “Support your local ICE raid” were prevalent, showcasing the divided sentiments among the populace.
In West Hollywood Park, activists prominently displayed rainbow flags while condemning various Trump policies, including his stance against transgender teens in school sports. Magdalena Jamieson, a 29-year-old from West Hollywood, stated, “He portrays us as un-American... In reality, we are standing up against the ways he breaks the rules and harms people.” Many demonstrators expressed solidarity with undocumented immigrants who felt unable to participate due to fear of repercussions.
As the protests intensified, a crowd of a few hundred surrounded the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, where U.S. Marines stood guard. Protesters chanted “shame” and “we don’t want you,” leading to confrontations with law enforcement. The LAPD declared dispersal orders for the area, citing incidents of violence and urging protesters to leave.
Violet Martinez, 23, witnessed police using tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowd, stating, “There was no reason to do that.” This chaos was part of a larger pattern of unrest, with protests having erupted following reports of potential immigration raids. Over the course of nine days, incidents of vandalism and theft have occurred, resulting in approximately 500 arrests.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged for peaceful demonstrations during a press conference, emphasizing that “the eyes of the world” were on the city. She warned against violence and vandalism, reinforcing the importance of maintaining order amidst heightened tensions. The mayor also highlighted the lack of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal troops, which has further escalated the situation.
As tensions between California leaders and Trump continued to rise, a federal judge ruled that National Guard control must be returned to Governor Gavin Newsom, although the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals paused this order. In a letter, Senate Democrats, including Senator Alex Padilla, urged Trump to withdraw military personnel from Los Angeles, calling the deployment an abuse of executive authority.
In response to the protests, Trump defended his administration's actions on social media, claiming, “If I didn’t send the military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now. We saved L.A.” However, local officials and citizens have disputed this narrative, highlighting the significant backlash against the administration's tactics.
As the situation continues to unfold, the “No Kings Day” protests have underscored the deep divisions in American society concerning immigration policy, executive power, and the fundamental principles of democracy. With demonstrators framing their actions as a patriotic duty, the future of these protests remains uncertain as they challenge the status quo and demand accountability from their leaders.
