Activist James Friesen was optimistic about the turnout for the “No Kings” protest Saturday in Northridge. At the center of his activism is advocacy for democracy and his opposition to what he perceives as President Donald Trump’s despotic and imperialistic tendencies.
His fellow demonstrators did not disappoint him, and he feels more hopeful about the future.
“It’s been a positive and joyful experience,” said Friesen, a member of Northridge Indivisible, the grassroots group spearheading the rally at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Protestors chanted to the rhythm of drums and Mexican folklorico dancers twirled, holding out their colorful skirts as they moved through the crowd. Some parents brought their children along, and passing cars honked their horns in support.
The CSUN rally, held at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and Lindley Avenue, was one of several events that took place in the San Fernando Valley, part of a larger series of demonstrations across Los Angeles, Southern California and the United States. It’s estimated that 2,700 “No Kings” protests occurred nationwide.
Other rallies in the valley took place in Burbank, Glendale, Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills.
About 400 people registered online for the Northridge protest. Still, registration was halted when some people expressed concerns about revealing their names, which could cause reprisals from the Trump administration and others, said Friesen.
“There was a cloud of fear,” he noted, but emphasized, “We can’t stay under that cloud.” Pointing to the large crowd gathered around him, he smiled, “They said ‘No!’”
In the end, organizers estimated there were over 1,000 people who publicly protested in Northridge.
Demonstrators cited several concerns about the Trump White House that included his “misuse of presidential powers.”
Ten months into his second term, President Trump’s administration has restricted abortion access, targeted transgender rights, limited women’s right to choose and carried out his campaign promises and the controversial Project 2025.
Many protesters carried signs equating the Trump administration to Nazism, referencing ICE agents who, en masse, are aggressively hunting down undocumented immigrants by racially profiling them.
Accusations of Fascism
“I’m against fascism and what the Republicans and Trump are doing to our country; I’m here to protest”, said 60-year-old Debbie Schecter. “I don’t know what else to do as an American right now.”
For Jules Arellano, the No Kings protest was an opportunity to show solidarity with fellow Americans affected by Trump. “It is our responsibility as human beings to advocate for one another,” she said.
From CSUN to Woodland Hills
Approximately seven miles southwest of CSUN, a larger crowd gathered at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills to protest, with organizers estimating a crowd of nearly 2,000 people.
Carrying a sign with a crown and a swastika, both crossed out with the words, “This Vet is Anti-fascist,” Jack Hertz said, “I fought in Vietnam, believing at the time that I was fighting for freedom, and I’m still fighting for freedom.”
Hertz, a retired illustrator and cartoonist, expressed concern that recent U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean could lead to war with the South American nation. “Things are escalating,” he stated. “It’s just insane and crazy.”
While he supports the deportation of criminal undocumented immigrants, Hertz opposes ICE raids that “grab people off the streets without due process,” which have resulted in the detention of U.S. citizens of Latino descent.
ICE and Profiling
Luis Borol, a 27-year-old from Canoga Park, held a sign that read, “F— ICE. ” His presence at the protest was a way to honor his immigrant parents and advocate for future generations of Latinos. “My voice represents their voice,” said the first-generation Mexican American. “I’m protesting against the idea that Trump thinks it’s acceptable to discriminate based on skin color and to target minorities.”
The “No Kings” rally in downtown LA was arguably the biggest in Southern California and one of the largest in the country, alongside similar demonstrations held in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston. Organizers estimated that over 7 million people participated nationwide, surpassing the 5 million who took part in the previous “No Kings” protests held last June.
Brandon Barrantes of Pasadena carried a camera to document the day, which brought tens of thousands of people in front of City Hall.
“It’s an important cause,” he said, noting that the issue of immigration is personal for him as a descendant of immigrants from Mexico and the Philippines. “My Mexican grandmother is scared to go out because of the ICE raids.”
A Family Affair
Abel Lopez used the rally to teach his children the importance of standing up for their beliefs. “We don’t agree with Donald Trump and his immigration policies. I find the raids to be sickening.” His two daughters standing next to him, held signs that read, “No Kings” and “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.”
Leading Republicans denounced the “No Kings” protests as “anti-American” and “Hate America rallies,” and the governors of Virginia and Texas mobilized their state’s National Guard in preparation for potential disturbances. Around the country, protestors wore inflatable costumes – there were many frogs, chipmunks and dinosaurs.
This trend was inspired by activists from Portland, who, earlier this month, donned similar costumes to mock federal agents and counter the Trump administration’s characterization of their city as a “war zone.”
However, the largest inflatable at the downtown LA rally continued to be a 20-foot-tall figure of “Baby Trump” in a diaper, accompanied by a prominent sign that read “Dump Trump.”
Rallies and Upcoming Elections
Although the inflatables brought some humor, the protest delivered a serious political message that some analysts say could have a lasting impact and build momentum, especially in statewide, local and special elections this November and into next year, which could determine the future of Congress.
In California, voters this November will consider Proposition 50, which proposes a legislative constitutional amendment to temporarily allow the California State Legislature to draw congressional district maps starting in 2026. This measure is intended to counteract a partisan redistricting effort occurring in Texas.
The political battle for Congress continues. In the San Fernando Valley, Northridge Indivisible is organizing phone banking, text banking, and canvassing to encourage voters to support Proposition 50. “We have a lot of work to do,” said Friesen, who added, “but thanks to these rallies, I feel optimistic.”