‘No Kings’ protests return to SoCal as Donald Trump ramps up authoritarian practices, organizers say

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Protesters are expected to pack the streets of Los Angeles and several other cities on Saturday for a nationwide “No Kings” rally.

They’ll be demonstrating against several controversial Trump administration policies, and political leaders are asking people who show up to protest peacefully.

It’s the second “No Kings” protest and third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.

Some conservative politicians have condemned the protests as “Hate America” rallies, while others say that it represents a “patriotic” fight for First Amendment rights.

Saturday’s rally is organized by the 50501 Group, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states and one movement.

The nationwide goal of the day is to end what organizers call the Trump administration’s push toward a dictatorship… and its racist policies, including mass deportations.

Organizers are planning for a peaceful march and rally, but L.A. Mayor Karen Bass says the city will be ready for whatever happens.

“We absolutely support, and have to have, peaceful protests, period. That is a part of our American way, and no one should engage in any type of vandalism. And I’m referring to graffiti. I’m referring to violence of any type. That is completely unacceptable. And people will be held accountable. But the overwhelming majority of the protests have been peaceful. It’s important for people to express themselves. It’s unacceptable for there to be violence of any type,” Bass said.

People are advised to keep in mind that the downtown L.A. area could experience heavy traffic during the rally Saturday.

Crackdown on protests

Trump’s crackdown against protests, especially in Democratic cities, has intensified since the June marches. He has since sent National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn. His efforts to deploy troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have stalled in federal court.

Organizers in Chicago are expecting tens of thousands of demonstrators at a popular Lake Michigan park, followed by a downtown march.

Federal immigration agents have arrested more than 1,000 people in Chicago, the nation’s third largest city, with increasingly aggressive tactics since September. Protests have been frequent and well attended in recent weeks, and have boiled over in intense clashes outside a suburban federal immigration processing center.

“People are angrier. It feels so much more immediate,” said Denise Poloyac with Indivisible Chicago. “They’re very concerned about what’s happening in Chicago and around the country.”

The “No Kings” organizers have led numerous virtual safety trainings leading up to the protests with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is listed as an official partner on the “No Kings” website.

The trainings informed viewers about their rights during protests – such as whether you are required to carry ID or if wearing a mask is allowed (both vary according to each state) – and emphasized de-escalation techniques for encounters with law enforcement.

Each official protest has a safety plan, which includes designated medics and emergency meeting spots.

Mixed response from elected officials

The protests have already drawn swift condemnation from some of the country’s top politicians, with House Speaker Mike Johnson dubbing the event the “Hate America rally” at a news conference on Wednesday.

Some state leaders, like Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, have decided to activate the National Guard ahead of the protests.

“Texas will deter criminal mischief and work with local law enforcement to arrest anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property,” Abbott said in a statement.

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom struck a more optimistic tone, saying he hopes Californians turn out in large numbers and remain peaceful. He said Trump “hopes there is disruption, there’s some violence” that he can exploit.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.