“No Kings” protesters gathered across Southern California Saturday to continue to push back against President Donald Trump’s directives, including immigration sweeps that ramped up this summer.
As crowds gathered in downtown L.A., Quincy Nelson told LAist: “I’m little concerned, actually, a lot of concerned about the unchecked behavior of Donald Trump.”
As night fell, protests in downtown L.A. stayed peaceful, with crowds taking advantage of food stands and music. LAPD officers meanwhile kept protesters at a distance from the federal detention center. And apart from a few tense exchanges between protesters and LAPD officers at the barricade line, the scene remained at a simmer as downtown streets began to reopen. Shortly before 7 p.m., however, police issued a dispersal order for the crowd gathered on Alameda between Aliso and Temple.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025.
Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025.
No Kings demonstrators march in downtown L.A. on Oct. 18, 2025.
Protesters begin to face off with police outside the Metropolitan Detention Center as part of the “No Kings” protest on October 18, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Caylo Seals
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Getty Images North America
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No Kings protesters gather in downtown L.A. as the sun sets.