LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Large crowds turned out at more than 50 “No Kings” Day demonstrations across Los Angeles and Orange County today, including thousands of people in downtown Los Angeles, as part of a nationwide day of protests against illegal immigration enforcement and other federal policies.
The downtown rally at Gloria Molina Grand Park across from City Hall began around 2 p.m., followed by a march at 3 p.m., according to organizers.
In anticipation of the crowds, Caltrans crews Friday placed security gates along on- and off-ramps to the Hollywood (101) Freeway in the downtown area. During previous No Kings protests in downtown LA, some participants moved onto freeway lanes, temporarily blocking traffic. Surface streets were also blocked in the Civic Center area, including sections of Broadway and Spring streets.
“As unconstitutional deportations and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers continue across the United States, and as illegal and unauthorized wars are perpetrated around the globe, Los Angeles unites in solidarity with a peaceful march and rally,” organizers said in a statement.
Scheduled speakers include actress Jodie Sweetin and Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest union. It represents public school teachers and other support personnel, faculty and staff members at colleges and universities, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.
“A lot of people want to help, they just don’t know where to start,” said Emily Williams, a lead organizer for 50501 SoCal. “No Kings is that starting point. It’s about community, about showing up for each other, and about turning concern into real action you can be part of.”
Police and local officials urged participants to keep the demonstrations peaceful and lawful.
“The Los Angeles Police Department fully supports the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can express themselves safely. We ask those that choose to assemble to do so in a manner that is lawful, safe and responsible,” the LAPD said in a statement posted Saturday morning on X.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also released the following statement
Saturday:
“Peaceful protest is our constitutional right. When people come together to make their voices heard, that is democracy in action. Please stay safe and look out for one another.”
Some participants in the downtown march carried a large helium-filled balloon depicting President Donald Trump, along with handmade signs, during a roughly 1.5-mile march beginning on Spring Street. The organizers called for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Dodgers also cautioned fans to allow extra time to reach Dodger Stadium for Saturday’s 6:10 p.m. game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” according to the No Kings website. “But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. ‘No Kings’ is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon.”
A separate rally and march was also planned in Encino at Ventura Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue, according to organizers. That event was expected to include remarks from Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who is challenging Bass for mayor in the June primary, and former Biden administration adviser Jake Levine, who is challenging Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, in the 32nd Congressional