SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Demonstrators are gathered across San Diego County as part of Saturday’s nationwide wave of “No Kings” protests, with multiple rallies and marches taking place across the region.
The demonstrations are part of a countrywide movement against arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers under the Trump administration, as well as other concerns, including the war with Iran, as well as the rising costs of living.
Organizers say more than a dozen events were planned throughout the county, including a major one at Waterfront Park, where participants began gathering shortly before 10 a.m. Similar marches were held in June and October of last year.
According to the San Diego Police Department, around 40,000 people assembled downtown to participate in the march. Officers remained in the area to support public safety and monitor traffic impacts throughout the large gathering.
“No Kings” march taking place in downtown San Diego on March 28, 2026. (SkyFox/KUSI in the SKy)
“No Kings” march taking place in downtown San Diego on March 28, 2026. (SkyFox/KUSI in the SKy)
“No Kings” march taking place in downtown San Diego on March 28, 2026. (SkyFox/KUSI in the SKy)
“No Kings” march taking place in downtown San Diego on March 28, 2026. (SkyFox/KUSI in the SKy)
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Pre-planned road closures were temporarily in place in the downtown area related to the protest, including:
Pacific Highway and W Grape Street
N Harbor Drive at W Grape Street
W Ash Street at Pacific Highway
Those roads have since reopened to the traffic.
Additional demonstrations are took place in communities from the South Bay to North County and inland areas, including La Jolla, Otay Mesa, El Cajon, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Escondido, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and several others areas.
The local protests are part of a nationwide day of action that includes more than 3,000 events across all 50 states. Across the country, millions of people were expected to participate in what organizer’s described as one of the largest coordinated protest efforts in the country’s history.
The “No Kings” movement, which began in June 20205, has grown rapidly with previous protests drawing millions nationwide. Saturday’s demonstrations mark the latest and likely the largest iteration of the movement so far.
Organizers emphasized that the events are intended to be peaceful and rooted in protecting democratic values, with many groups coordinating locally to ensure safety and turnout.
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