Thousands of protesters took to the streets across the United States on Saturday in coordinated demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and a rare military parade held in Washington, DC.
The protests, organised under the name “No Kings,” were staged in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles, BBC reports.
Organisers said the movement was in response to what they described as the president’s increasing authoritarianism and controversial deportation raids.
In Philadelphia, demonstrators gathered in Love Park, holding placards and waving American flags.
“I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse, adding that Trump’s staffing cuts to public health agencies had compelled her to join.
Los Angeles witnessed one of the largest turnouts, where tensions flared near the Federal Building. Protesters clashed with National Guard troops, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowds.
“It’s not harsh, it’s evil. You don’t separate families,” said Jose Azetcla, a member of the civil rights group, the Brown Berets.
Despite skirmishes, hundreds continued to march peacefully a few blocks away. The city has seen days of protest amid a series of deportation operations, prompting the federal deployment of the National Guard a move opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The military parade in Washington, DC, which coincided with Trump’s birthday and marked the 250th anniversary of the US Army, drew criticism from some lawmakers and former military officials who labelled it an expensive vanity project. The event reportedly cost between $25 million and $45 million.
President Trump stood to salute the marching troops and briefly addressed attendees, saying: “Our soldiers never give up. Never surrender and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight. And they win, win, win.”
He had earlier warned that any protests during the parade would be met with “heavy force.”
While turnout for the parade was affected by wet weather, protests continued in various states. In Minnesota, some “No Kings” demonstrations were cancelled after police discovered flyers for the protest in the car of a man accused of killing a state politician and her husband.
Governor Tim Walz urged residents to stay away from rallies until the suspect was arrested, but many still turned out.
The protests came despite recent polling suggesting support for Trump’s immigration stance remains strong.
A CBS/YouGov survey found that 54% of Americans approve of the policy to deport undocumented immigrants, with 42% saying the programme made them feel safer and 53% agreeing it prioritised removing dangerous criminals.
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