Protesters in New York City. Credit: Instagram@thenyic
Millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday, October 18, as part of the No Kings peaceful protests, a nationwide organized demonstration against President Donald Trump’s administration.
The event was reportedly held in all 50 US states and was one of the largest days of protests in recent US history.
Demonstrators called for protection of democratic institutions, denounced the National Guard delegation, and opposed health care cuts and immigration raids.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that all 10 demonstrations were peaceful. “We know he’s not a king,” she told CNN. “But we don’t want to see democracy retreat into authoritarianism.”
The crowd danced to a salsa band, held rainbow, American and Mexican flags, and some demonstrators wore inflatable frog and unicorn costumes.
Similar scenes unfolded in New York City, where police reported more than 100,000 demonstrators filled Times Square, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.” No arrests related to the protests were reported in New York.
In Washington, D.C., Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders told the crowd, “We’re not here because we hate America, we’re here because we love America,” urging citizens to protect democratic freedoms.
Frustration mounts over federal shutdown
The demonstrations coincided with a federal government shutdown that furloughed thousands of workers. One protester, a longtime federal employee, said he was “in tears” after the recent layoffs.
“The elimination of these jobs threatens people’s ability to keep a roof over their heads,” he told CNN, adding that the government was showing a “lack of compassion” for civil servants.
Organizers rejected claims by opponents that the protests were “anti-American” or “anti-fascism” related. Lisa Gilbert, co-chair of the group Public Citizen, said the movement’s message was clear.
“The president wants us to be afraid, but we will not be forced into fear and silence.”
There was isolated tension outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, with gas canisters thrown at violent protesters. Other than this incident, the incidents reportedly remained nonviolent.
For foreign nationals and locals living in the United States, the No Kings protests signal growing concerns about democratic stability and immigration policy, both of which could affect residency and visa procedures.
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